Yesterday I cited the press release of the Norwegian shipping company Odfjell, which no longer will send their tankers through the Suez Canal, but take the long route around Africa instead, hoping to avoid being hijacked by pirates. Maybe just in the nick of time, because now a supertanker full of crude oil has been hijacked by Somali pirates several hundred miles out to sea.

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In an earlier article today I quoted several sources saying that shipping companies are now seriously considering avoiding the Suez Canal and take the long route around Africa instead. One Norwegian shipping company, Odfjell, has already started sending their tankers on the long route, as reported by the Norwegian newspapers VG and Dagbladet. How long until others will follow? That’ll be interesting too see…

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In a previous article, 2 weeks ago, I voiced my opinion on whether Somali Pirates can shut down Europe’s supply chains. The fear of a major supply chain disruption seems more imminent now than before. Shipping companies are now seriously considering avoiding the Suez Canal and take the long route around Africa instead. The Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet reports that such move could endanger this year’s Christmas, with presumed presents not arriving on time to be sold from stores.

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