Singapore Joins International Effort to Secure Red Sea Shipping Routes

In response to escalating attacks by Yemeni Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has announced its participation in Operation Prosperity Guardian, a multinational maritime security force. Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen revealed the details during a parliamentary session on January 9.

The SAF's involvement will include sending a team from the Republic of Singapore Navy’s Information Fusion Centre to support information sharing and a team of planners to collaborate with international partners on operational plans. Additionally, a senior national representative will be dispatched to the Combined Maritime Forces’ (CMF) headquarters in Bahrain.

Dr Ng emphasized the importance of Singapore collaborating with the international community to safeguard key sea lines of communication threatened by unlawful acts from non-state actors or terrorist groups. The Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have been targeting commercial vessels, resulting in attacks on approximately 20 merchant ships in the Red Sea since January 7.

The Singapore-flagged Maersk Hangzhou, owned by Denmark, was among the vessels attacked. Dr Ng highlighted that these attacks led to the suspension of transits through the Red Sea by the world's largest shipping companies, impacting global trade routes.

Operation Prosperity Guardian, initiated by the United States on December 19, 2023, falls under Combined Task Force 153, one of five task forces under the CMF. Singapore has been a member of the CMF since 2009.

Dr Ng reiterated Singapore's commitment to the three principles of maritime security cooperation, emphasizing the primary responsibility of littoral states, the international community's role, and adherence to international law while respecting sovereignty. He urged diplomatic efforts to address the Red Sea problem and mitigate the impact on global trade.

In response to a separate inquiry, Dr Ng mentioned Singapore's humanitarian efforts in Gaza. The Singapore Armed Forces has accepted an invitation from the French Armed Forces to provide two medical personnel on the French ship Dixmude, stationed at El Arish Port in Egypt. The ship, configured as a hospital ship, has been treating casualties from Gaza.

While acknowledging potential impacts on global supply chains due to Red Sea disruptions, Dr Ng reassured that Singapore's immediate impact is expected to be limited, thanks to the majority of critical supplies being delivered by air freight or avoiding the Red Sea route.

Singapore's participation in Operation Prosperity Guardian underscores its commitment to international maritime security, aligning with its longstanding principles articulated at the Shangri-La Dialogue in 2005.