The conflict in the Middle East highlights the strategic importance of certain maritime passages, sometimes located on the other side of the globe. But this region is not the only one under surveillance. From Asia to the Americas, passing through Europe, each continent depends on a few chokepoints.
While one of the main arteries of global trade is under tension, the Strait of Hormuz is not an isolated case. Other areas, if paralyzed, would cause comparable shocks. At sea, where about 80% of global trade flows, these passages receive constant attention.
The Middle East remains a high-risk area for navigation, a situation further exacerbated by conflicts. While some shipowners were already avoiding the region, the majority now circumvent Africa via the Cape of Good Hope. Depending on the circumstances, the risk can be political, environmental, or logistical.
The Panama Canal faces climate challenges:
A true engineering feat, the Panama Canal avoids a 13,000 km detour around Cape Horn. Launched in 1880, this project cost the lives of more than 22,000 workers, victims of diseases and landslides. Inaugurated in 1914, this 80 km passage now accounts for 5% of global maritime traffic, including over 14% of bulk carriers and 6% of container ships.
However, the infrastructure is weakened by the lack of water. Located 26 meters above sea level, the canal depends on Lake Gatun, whose reserves are dwindling due to deforestation and climate anomalies. Each ship passage releases 197,000 m3 of water into the sea. During normal periods, rainfall compensates for these losses. In times of drought, the situation quickly deteriorates.
In October 2023, the region experienced its driest month. The number of authorized passages gradually decreased, to 18 per day in February 2024, from the usual forty. To avoid waiting times, some companies invest in berths, driving up prices. This pressure increases with the attacks by Houthi rebels on other key routes in the Middle East.
The Suez Canal, a vital artery for Europe:
For Europeans, the Suez Canal is the most emblematic route, saving about 12 days of navigation by connecting the Red Sea to the Mediterranean. Built between 1859 and 1869, it remains the world’s longest lock-free canal. Expanded over time, it now reaches a minimum width of 280 meters and a depth of 22.5 meters.
It handles approximately 12% of global traffic and 30% of container transport. It is also one of the main channels for transporting oil to Europe, along with the Strait of Hormuz.
Located in an unstable region, the canal directly suffers from tensions. Following Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, traffic dropped by 70% in May 2025 compared to 2023. Most shipowners continue to favor the Cape of Good Hope as an alternative route. The recent escalation of conflicts has only worsened the situation.
If Suez is crucial for Europe, Asia depends on another strategic passage.
The Strait of Malacca, pivot of Asian trade:
Wider than other major passages, the Strait of Malacca connects the Indian Ocean to the major Asian economies. It sees over 25% of global trade passing through, including 30% of oil, 25% of liquefied natural gas, and 20% of containers.
So far spared from conflicts and climate anomalies, it remains under significant pressure. Each year, around 90,000 vessels circulate through it. The main point of tension is a passage less than 3 km wide, through which the majority of China and Japan’s oil imports pass.
According to the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), an interruption could paralyze East Asia in less than a week. To reduce this dependency, Beijing is seeking alternative routes. Another threat is the increasing size of ships. BIMCO warns of the risk of “grounding” as the depth at some points is only 25 meters.
Despite no major crisis, this strait illustrates a central reality: the security of maritime routes has become a sovereignty issue in a global economy increasingly dependent on sea trade.
