International Maritime & Trade Finance Policy Council

International Maritime News – Middle East Focus (December 18, 2025) Good news for global shipping: The Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait are seeing a significant increase in transits after Yemen's Houthis signaled a halt to attacks on commercial vessels. Linked to the ongoing Gaza ceasefire (since October), the group paused strikes in November—marking the quietest period since late 2023. Key Highlights: Bab el-Mandeb transits hit their highest levels since the Red Sea crisis