The conflict in the Middle East reminds us of the strategic importance of certain maritime passages, sometimes located at the other end of the world. But this region is not the only one under surveillance. From Asia to the Americas, passing through Europe, each continent depends on a few bottlenecks.
As one of the key 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 around 80% of global trade flows, these points of passage are constantly monitored.
The Middle East remains a high-risk zone for navigation, a situation further exacerbated by conflicts. While some shipowners used to avoid the region, the majority now circumvent Africa via the Cape of Good Hope. Depending on the case, the risk can be political, environmental, or logistical.
The Panama Canal faces a climate challenge
A true engineering feat, the Panama Canal avoids a detour of 13,000 km around Cape Horn. Launched in 1880, this project cost the lives of more than 22,000 workers due to diseases and landslides. Inaugurated in 1914, this 80 km passage now accounts for 5% of global maritime traffic, including over 14% of bulk cargo and 6% of container ships.
But the infrastructure is weakened by a lack of water. Situated 26 meters above sea level, the canal depends on Lake Gatun, whose reserves are diminishing due to deforestation and climate anomalies. Each ship passage releases 197,000 m3 of water into the sea. In normal periods, the rains compensate for these losses. In times of drought, the situation quickly becomes tense.
In October 2023, the region experienced its driest month. The number of authorized passages gradually decreased, reaching 18 per day in February 2024, compared to around forty usually. To avoid waiting, some companies prioritize berths, driving up prices. This pressure intensifies 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 iconic route. It saves about 12 days of navigation by connecting the Red Sea to the Mediterranean. Built between 1859 and 1869, it remains the longest lock-free canal in the world. Expanded over time, it now reaches a minimum width of 280 m and a depth of 22.5 m.
It handles around 12% of global traffic and 30% of container transport. It is also one of the main routes for oil delivery to Europe, along with the Strait of Hormuz.
Located in an unstable region, the canal is directly affected by tensions. Following Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, traffic dropped by 70% in May 2025 compared to 2023. Most shipowners continue to favor bypassing through the Cape of Good Hope. The recent escalation of conflicts has only worsened the situation.
While Suez is crucial for Europe, Asia depends on another strategic passage.
The Malacca Strait, pivot of Asian trade
More extensive than other major passages, the Malacca Strait connects the Indian Ocean to major Asian economies. It handles over 25% of global trade, including 30% of oil, 25% of liquefied natural gas, and 20% of containers.
Spared for now from conflicts and climate anomalies, it remains under significant pressure. Every year, around 90,000 ships sail through it. The main point of tension is a passage less than 3 km wide, through which most of China and Japan’s oil imports pass.
According to the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), an interruption would 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 reaches only 25 m in some areas.
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 reliant on sea trade.
