EU Admiral Urges For More Warship Deployment In Red Sea To Protect Commercial Shipping

In reaction to the escalating threats posed by the Iran-backed Houthi attacks on cargo ships in the Red Sea, Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis, the head of a European Union force protecting these vessels, highlighted the urgent need for more warships deployment to increase freight traffic.

Gryparis cited Operational Aspides’ victory in safeguarding international shipping with the successful escort of 79 vessels without any reported damage.

Admiral Vasileios Gryparis pointed out the logistical challenges posed by the extensive areas that require security, emphasising the insufficient capacity of the existing fleet to meet increasing requirements.

He stated that due to a more than 50% decrease in shipping traffic, it has been possible to give escort services to every vessel requesting protection.

Gryparis claimed that the current resources are insufficient to scale up the operation to meet the rising demands.

He proposed that the effective escort of multiple ships serve as an initial foundation for additional protective measures.

Vasileios Gryparis reiterated that such an extension is impossible with the available resources.

The European Union launched Operation Aspides in February 2024.

The operation, named after the Greek word “shield,” aims to protect maritime trade routes.

The initiative was taken in response to the Houthi militant’s aggressive attacks against warships in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea since November, reportedly in support of Palestinians in Gaza.

The Houthi rebels have directly threatened American, British, and Israeli vessels as well as those heading for Israeli ports, disrupting crucial trade routes off Yemen’s coast.

The US Department of Defense reported a dramatic increase in Houthi attacks, with atleast 50% of attacks on civilian and military ships passing through Yemen’s coastline since the conflict began.

As a result of these disruptive attacks, insurance costs for vessels transiting the Red Sea have increased, forcing many shipping companies to choose the longer but safer route around Southern Africa.

Gryparis’s proposal to strengthen the fleet highlights the urgent need to enhance maritime security measures to maintain essential international trade operations.

Reference: Daily Tribune, Economic Times

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