With the Strait of Hormuz shut and attacks widening in the Red Sea, the world’s shipping giants are rerouting—and South Africa’s coastline is suddenly the place to be. Companies like Maersk and CMA CGM are diverting vessels around the Cape of Good Hope to escape high-risk zones, sending maritime traffic through Southern Africa toward nearly double the usual levels. The detour is already pushing shipping costs up by as much as 70%, but it’s proving a boon for local offshore services handling crew changes and emergency supplies. Maritime economists note this isn’t a new trend but a return to an age-old route, proving that when global crises erupt, the Cape remains the world’s reliable back-up route.
The New York Times
