Japanese shipping firm suspends Red Sea operations, two months after Houthis seize vessel

Nippon Yusen, the shipping company which operates the Galaxy Leader ship seized by Yemen’s Houthis on November 19, has announced it is suspending operations in the Red Sea.

A spokesperson for the Japanese firm – also known as NYK Line – told the AFP news agency it was joining other companies in suspending operations in the region to “ensure the safety of crews”.

The spokesperson also said the company is “worried about” the fate of Galaxy Leader’s 25-member crew, but has “received no information”.

In December, Galaxy Maritime Ltd, which co-owns the ship, said the crew – from countries including Bulgaria, Mexico, the Philippines, Romania and Ukraine – had been allowed “modest” contact with their families by the Houthis.

Ownership details in public shipping databases have also associated the ship’s owners with Ray Car Carriers, founded by Abraham “Rami” Ungar, who is known as one of the richest men in Israel.