Red Sea partners outline merchant convoy escort framework

Representatives from several Gulf and European navies presented a draft framework for escorting select merchant convoys through high-risk corridors. The plan would prioritise food and medical cargo before expanding to broader container flows if attacks on shipping continue.

Shipping associations welcomed the clarity but warned that premiums may remain elevated until incidents decline for a sustained period. Port agents in Djibouti reported steady traffic, with some carriers still rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope.

Diplomats said the arrangement depends on continued coordination with coastal states and on avoiding overlap with unrelated military operations. WOP360 correspondents will monitor the first coordinated transit window expected within two weeks.