Türkiye's 2019 agreement with Tripoli on maritime boundaries and exclusive economic zones in the Mediterranean irked Athens at the time. The idea that Tobruk may ratify it has set off Greek alarms.
A waterway wedged between Africa and Asia is the preferred transit route for around 30% of global containerised trade. No wonder foreign stakeholders are all vying for bases along the route.
Cairo wants to regenerate its shipbuilding capabilities to boost its maritime fleet, but experts say this is a long-term plan requiring lots of investment. Can Egypt hope to compete?
With more than half of Egypt's normal shipping traffic now diverting around Africa and its economy in dire straits, there are serious doubts about its plans to build a parallel canal
China's maritime focus at present remains in its vicinity. Its presence in the Middle East is a slow build. It might never become a regional military superpower, but it can't be ruled out entirely.
Wherever you look, there are problems in the world's major trade arteries, with the worst ripple effects yet to be felt. Despite this, more disarray may follow.
As the world's attention turns to the safety of maritime trade routes, it is important to recall that civilisations have transported goods and people across the seas for thousands of years.
'Telegram 29' shows Algeria's determination to win out in a bitter battle with Morocco to control lucrative trade flows in a vital strategic region at a time of wider turmoil
Netanyahu continues to defy calls from Washington to pump the brakes on Israel's offensive in Lebanon, something Iran has linked to a future peace deal
Days before kick-off, ambitious economic projections for the FIFA 2026 World Cup are colliding with weaker-than-expected demand in the hospitality sector