Red Sea attacks force sustained Cape rerouting, adding 10–14 days and lifting freight costs

On March 29, 2026 shipping through the southern Red Sea fell to about 30–35 vessels daily from a typical 70, and carriers continued to reroute via the Cape of Good Hope, adding roughly 10–14 days to Asia–Europe voyages and lifting freight and war‑risk insurance costs, sustaining higher import bills and supply delays.

Longer Cape routings burn more fuel and tie up vessels longer, reducing effective fleet capacity and pushing up spot and contract freight, surcharges and war‑risk premia. That raises landed import costs and working‑capital needs for exporters and importers, which can weigh on FX reserves and fiscal balances in transit‑exposed African economies if the diversion persists.

Monitor carrier notices and Suez/Red Sea daily transit counts for signs of broad service returns.