The inaugural cruise ship of the year, COSTA Deliziosa, graced the Port of Piraeus, marking a significant surge in arrivals and passengers. Piraeus Port Authorities’ (PPA) Management extended a warm welcome through a special ceremony at the Cruise terminal, featuring plaque exchanges and festive treats for all passengers.

Hailing from Izmir, COSTA Deliziosa brought 2,500 passengers and is set to continue its journey to Dubrovnik and Italy as per its itinerary. The presence of COSTA liners’ cruise ships is constant in the port of Piraeus, with 16 calls in 2023and an anticipated 22 calls in 2024 based on pre-bookings.

Preliminary figures indicate historic achievements in cruise passenger numbers, total in around 1.5 million compared to 880,000 in 2022. Homeport passengers also witnessed a remarkable increase, reaching approximately 800,000 compared to380,000 in 2022. The port served 760 cruise ships, with 525 being home port vessels.

Looking ahead, the momentum in the cruise industry at the Port of Piraeus remains strong, with pre-bookings indicating 1042 arrivals and an expected record in home port arrivals, estimating around 800 calls. All local market participants express their satisfaction with the positive trajectory of the cruise business at the port, emphasizing its vital role in the Greek Cruise Industry and its overall benefits for the local community, neighboring municipalities, the Attica region, and the country at large.

HOUTHI ATTACKS IN THE RED SEA

Monitoring Houthi activities in the Red Sea has become increasingly crucial. Over recent weeks, the threats to shipping in the Red Sea region have escalated significantly. Iranian-backed Houthi militants have intensified their attacks on commercial shipping, utilizing drones and missiles, as well as conducting bold assaults with boats and helicopters. Despite the Houthis’ claims of targeting vessels with links to Israel, numerous targeted ships, especially in recent days, lack clear connections to Israel. The Gulf of Aden, further east, has also witnessed targeted shipping, but only a few of these attempts have succeeded. For instance, on January 17, Genco Picardy, a US-owned bulk carrier, sustained damage from a Houthi drone but managed to continue its journey. An Indian navy warship was swiftly on the scene, underscoring the multinational efforts to repel Houthi attacks.

Addressing the escalating threat, Chris Farrell, who has led on-board security teams in the region, highlights that lightly-armed private guards accompanying commercial ships are ill-equipped to defend against aerial attacks. He describes the situation as one of the most significant challenges faced by commercial shipping in a long time. In response, the international community has escalated efforts, with the US and UK conducting airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen to degrade their military capabilities. However, the challenging terrain in Houthi-controlled areas makes it easier for them to conceal radar platforms, munitions, and launch vehicles.

To safeguard commercial shipping, a US-led military partnership was announced in December, with warships patrolling the Red Sea. The UK has committed naval vessels to the operation, while other countries, including France, have deployed military vessels independently. Bradley Martin, a former US Navy captain now at the Rand Corporation, acknowledges the coordination challenges in aligning efforts across multiple international partnerships. He notes the high costs associated with keeping vessels fueled and resupplied with sophisticated weaponry.

A growing number of companies are rerouting their ships away from the Red Sea, opting for a longer and costlier journey around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope. For those choosing to navigate the Red Sea route despite the risks, additional measures are being adopted to minimize the possibility of attacks. Some disable their on-board AIS tracking systems, making it harder for Houthi forces to locate them. Ships are declaring “no link to Israel” on their location equipment, while others emphasize the presence of “armed guard son board” or an “all Chinese crew” as deterrents. Despite recent airstrikes by the US and UK, Dr. Martin warns that the Houthis still possess significant capabilities to target shipping. However, with the depletion oft heir missile stockpiles, an increase in attacks by drones and boats may be observed in the future.