Shipping companies opting for the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope to avoid Houthi attacks in the Red Sea encounter significant challenges. African ports, including major ones like Durban, Cape Town, and Ngqura, face issues of red tape, congestion, and inadequate facilities, making replenishment difficult. The rerouting, prompted by drone and missile attacks by Yemeni Houthis, has disrupted international trade through the Suez Canal, leading to increased oil prices and freight rates. Bureaucratic hurdles and poor weather conditions at the 'Cape of Storms' pose additional difficulties, while concerns over fueling options and refueling services persist. South Africa's ports are struggling, and alternative ports like Walvis Bay (Namibia) or Port Louis (Mauritius) are considered, though bureaucracy remains a concern. The situation underscores the complex logistics and tough decisions faced by shipping companies navigating the geopolitical challenges in the region.

SOURCE:GOOGLE