Maritime chokepoints face rising disruption from drones and missiles

Attacks and threats in the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov are reshaping global shipping routes and raising costs for insurers and cargo owners. The article says these risks are affecting trade flows for energy, food and consumer goods, since most merchandise trade moves by sea. Industry experts quoted in the piece say drones and missiles are making it cheaper for smaller forces to target vessels and ports, while forcing shipping companies to consider rerouting, higher insurance premiums and larger inventory buffers. The strain is also affecting Russian export routes through the Black Sea and Sea of Azov, where maritime access has become more uncertain. The article also points to the Panama Canal as a potential future flashpoint because of geopolitical tensions and weatherrelated constraints. Overall, it argues that shipping firms are adapting to a longerterm period of uncertainty as maritime chokepoints become more exposed to conflict and disruption.