Somalia’s business community is seeking alternative shipping routes as security concerns and fighting disrupt maritime traffic around the Bab al-Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz.
The country relies heavily on imports, with businesses traditionally sourcing goods from Asia through Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Saudi Arabia.
Mohamed Ali Nur, director of Mogadishu Seaport, said the latest tensions had affected maritime trade, prompting businesses to explore more direct routes to minimise disruptions.
“The latest tensions in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, as well as those in the Strait of Hormuz, have negatively impacted us. But we have also taken measures to avoid that disruption. We contacted the groups that export goods to change their routes,” Nur said.
He said a ship carrying sugar had recently arrived in Somalia directly from Sri Lanka, bypassing the traditional routes through the Gulf.
The disruptions are also raising concerns among crews operating in the affected waters.
Ali Jemdi, a ship captain, said the conflict in the Arabian Gulf could create additional difficulties for maritime transportation and trade.
“For the Arabian Gulf, also there is some trouble over there… because of war… And this, I think, will cause some difficult case for the transportation here on the sea and for trading,” he said.
Longer and alternative shipping routes could increase transportation costs and cause delays, potentially putting further pressure on the prices and availability of goods in Somali markets.
