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

At least 50 affected countries, a 40% decline in Suez Canal revenues, and German car factories pause production. Al Majalla lays out the economic impact of Red Sea disruptions in numbers.

With 80% of the global goods trade transported by sea, the global economy relies heavily on the shipping industry 

Both states share a common interest in securing the continued flow of goods to and from their markets, but each country's approach differs in line with their respective national priorities