Walvis Bay witnesses a surge in bunker fuel demand as ships seek safer routes

Niël Terblanché In response to the escalating security threats in the Red Sea, commercial ships are rerouting their journeys through African ports, creating a surge in demand for bunker fuel and reshaping global refuelling patterns. The Middle East has been on edge due to a series of attacks on cargo ships and subsequent American retaliation, leading to heightened tensions in the region. As a result, the Red Sea has become a risky passage for vessels, causing them to seek alternative routes and refuelling stops. In the face of growing security concerns, the shipping industry is undergoing a transformation in its…