ALERTS & ​ADVISORIES

UPDATED Customer Advisory: Red Sea Attacks and Suez Canal Bypass

By
March 22, 2024
Containers at port.
Containers at port.

Current Situation  

The ongoing Red Sea container shipping crisis, now in its fourteenth week, shows tentative signs of potential progress through diplomatic efforts and the IMO meeting. However, concrete actions and a clear normalcy timeline remain uncertain; as we have witnessed, attacks have continued throughout this past week. Shippers and industry stakeholders should brace for continued disruptions and adapt strategies accordingly. The coming weeks will be crucial for interpreting the outcome of the IMO meeting and its potential impact on the situation. 

Industry Insights, Facts & Market Developments 

Below are some additional key facts and market developments surrounding the situation, including a timeline of major events.  

  • Drewry's WCI Composite Index shows a continuing decline of 5% week over week. Drewry also recognized a trade specific decline from Asia to North Europe and the Mediterranean of 8%, whereas freight rates on transatlantic registered a 2% increase West and Eastbound this past week.  
  • US CENTCOM continues to report successful engagement and destruction of a variety of drones, missiles, and drone boats, as well as drones on land; before they are ever utilized. Avoiding the launch of attacks has become the new 'normal.’' 
  • US Maritime Administration outlined the most pressing threats for US affiliated vessels in their latest advisory, accounting for 47 attacks and one seizure during the crisis. The advisory also warns that the geographical scope for threats is much larger in scale than the Red Sea.  
  • UKMTO (United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations) reported various vessel attacks as well as attempts in the past week.  
  • Media reported widely today that potential deals being worked on between the Houthis with Russia and China. While details are not clear nor substantiated, this would heighten the geopolitical distress. 
  • The International Maritime Organization (IMO) convened a virtual emergency meeting on March 18th to discuss potential solutions for safe passage through the Red Sea. Specific details and proposed actions are still pending. The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), addressing environmental issues under IMO's remit, also discussed the challenging efforts finding angles to assist regarding the sunken MV 'Rubymar'.  

Our Commitment

JAS Worldwide will continue to monitor the situation and keep you duly updated. Our public website update will occur once per week, every Friday.  

For any more detailed and / or shipment specific information, or alternative solutions, please contact your local JAS office.  

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Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, March 24, 2025 – JAS and Naqel have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership. The partnership will combine Naqel's robust regional network with JAS's global logistics expertise. 

Naqel, a subsidiary of Saudi Post Logistics (SPL) provides comprehensive coverage across the GCC region. By partnering with JAS, one of the largest and fastest-growing privately-owned logistics companies, both organizations are well-positioned to support the Kingdom's ambitious plans and strengthen its role as a global logistics hub. 

"This partnership marks an exciting milestone for JAS as we expand our presence in Saudi Arabia," said Erwin Wittemaier, Area VP of JAS Middle East. "By combining our global reach with Naqel's deep-rooted regional expertise, we can unlock the full potential of the highly promising Saudi Arabian market."  

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The MoU was signed by Dr. Adnan Almazrooa, Deputy CEO of Naqel, and Erwin Wittemaier, Area VP of JAS Middle East, in the presence of Dr. Sohail Choudhry, CEO of Naqel, Justin Sloan, Chief of Freight Forwarding at Naqel, and senior leaders from both organizations. 

This collaboration aims to develop strategic trade lanes, mitigate supply chain disruptions, and provide multi-modal logistics solutions that drive efficiency and resilience.  

By working together, JAS and Naqel will contribute to the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals of enhancing trade integration, accelerating economic diversification, and fostering sustainable logistics solutions. 

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About JAS  

JAS, a global leader in logistics and supply chain solutions, was founded in Milan, Italy, in 1978. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, and supported by 7,000+ team members in more than 100 countries, it builds innovative and sustainable solutions that focus on customer needs and a better future for all. At the heart of JAS's success is its people who deliver customer value. As one of the largest and fastest-growing privately-owned logistics companies, JAS is committed to creating opportunities for our communities, customers, and colleagues to thrive. Together. 

About Naqel Express by SPL 

NAQEL Express by SPL has been operating in the MENA region since 2005 and is now a proud member of the Saudi Post family. With a presence in 16 countries, it has established itself as a formidable force in logistics. With its unrivaled distribution network and robust fleet, NAQEL seamlessly connects you with even the most remote corners of Saudi Arabia. 

NAQEL provides tailored solutions and services such as speedy e-commerce and courier delivery, efficient road transport, smart warehousing and order fulfillment, global air and sea freight forwarding, seamless supply chain solutions, project management, 3PL services, and easy customs clearance. Committed to delivering innovative and sustainable solutions with a focus on environmental responsibility, NAQEL strives to lead the logistics industry towards a greener and more sustainable future. 

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