Aden — The European Union has announced that its naval task force operating in the Red Sea has successfully safeguarded the transit of more than 1,000 commercial vessels since the launch of its maritime security mission in early 2024.

The operation, known as EUNAVFOR Aspides, was deployed in response to escalating threats from Yemen’s Houthi movement, whose missile and drone attacks on international shipping disrupted one of the world’s most vital maritime corridors. The EU fleet has since played a pivotal role in restoring navigational safety across the Bab al-Mandab Strait and surrounding waters.

Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis, commander of the mission, confirmed that over the past 18 months, EU warships have escorted more than 1,000 merchant vessels through high-risk zones, intercepted multiple aerial threats, and provided real-time intelligence to allied forces and shipping companies.

“This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to maritime security and the global economy,” Gryparis said in a statement. “The Red Sea remains a strategic artery, and we will continue to ensure its protection.”

The Aspides mission currently operates between two and three naval vessels at any given time, with calls from member states to expand the fleet to meet growing demand. The EU has also extended the mission’s mandate until February 2026, broadening its scope to include monitoring arms trafficking and shadow fleets linked to sanctioned oil shipments.
The announcement comes amid a modest recovery in Red Sea shipping traffic, which had plummeted following Houthi attacks in late 2023. While daily vessel counts remain below pre-crisis levels, the EU’s efforts have contributed to a 60% increase in ship movements since mid-2024.
International maritime organizations have praised the EU’s role in stabilizing the region, though experts caution that threats persist, especially for vessels with links to Israeli ports or ownership.