STRAIT · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND CHARTERERS
The Bab el-Mandeb
Bab el-Mandeb is the southern entrance of the Red Sea, between Yemen and Djibouti, on every voyage through the Suez Canal to or from the Indian Ocean. On Rotterdam to Singapore it saves 3,471 nm: 8,414 nm through it, 11,885 nm without.
Voyages through the Bab el-Mandeb
Real voyages NaviBoss plans through the Bab el-Mandeb, and the distance when the planner's padlock shuts it.
| Voyage | Through it | Without it | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rotterdam to Singapore | 8,414 nm | 11,885 nm | +3,471 nm |
| Rotterdam to Shanghai | 10,594 nm | 13,473 nm | +2,879 nm |
| Hamburg to Shanghai | 10,873 nm | 13,742 nm | +2,868 nm |
| Antwerp to Singapore | 8,382 nm | 11,853 nm | +3,471 nm |
| Rotterdam to Hong Kong | 9,835 nm | 13,203 nm | +3,368 nm |
| Rotterdam to Busan | 10,906 nm | 13,003 nm | +2,097 nm |
Zones here
At the Bab el-Mandeb: Gulf / Arabian Sea / S. Red Sea war-risk (Sep 2026) (JWC listed area), UKMTO Voluntary Reporting Area (voluntary reporting area), S. Red Sea & Gulf of Aden (ITF/IBF WOA) (ITF/IBF warlike area), Red Sea (MARPOL Special Area) (MARPOL Special Area) and Gulf of Aden (MARPOL Special Area) (MARPOL Special Area).
See the piracy map and the ECA guide.
Navigational warnings
The Bab el-Mandeb is in NAVAREA IX. Keep its in-force warnings, and check the local notices and the vessel traffic service before the transit.
Questions about the Bab el-Mandeb
Where is the Bab el-Mandeb?
Bab el-Mandeb is the southern entrance of the Red Sea, between Yemen and Djibouti, on every voyage through the Suez Canal to or from the Indian Ocean. NaviBoss places it at about 12°36.6′N 043°21.9′E, in NAVAREA IX.
How much distance does the Bab el-Mandeb save?
On Rotterdam to Singapore, 3,471 nm: 8,414 nm through the Bab el-Mandeb against 11,885 nm without it. At 14 knots that is about 10.3 days.
Which voyages go through the Bab el-Mandeb?
For example Rotterdam to Singapore, Rotterdam to Shanghai, Hamburg to Shanghai and Antwerp to Singapore.
Is the Bab el-Mandeb in a piracy or war-risk area?
Yes, as of the date on this page it lies in the Gulf / Arabian Sea / S. Red Sea war-risk (Sep 2026) (JWC listed area) and S. Red Sea & Gulf of Aden (ITF/IBF WOA) (ITF/IBF warlike area). Check the latest advisories before a transit.
Other canals and straits
- Suez Canal
- Panama Canal
- Kiel Canal
- Corinth Canal
- Strait of Gibraltar
- Strait of Dover
- Strait of Hormuz
- Malacca Strait
- Singapore Strait
- Sunda Strait
- Makassar Strait
- Torres Strait
- Taiwan Strait
- Tsugaru Strait
- Bosporus
- Dardanelles
- Øresund (The Sound)
- Strait of Messina
- Strait of Sicily
- Strait of Bonifacio
- Cape of Good Hope
- Strait of Magellan
- Bass Strait
- Windward Passage
- Straits of Florida
- Strait of Juan de Fuca
- San Bernardino Strait
- Verde Island Passage
- Balabac Strait
- Pentland Firth
Avoid it on your own voyage
In the planner, tap the padlock on the Bab el-Mandeb (or any of 950 passages) and the route is re-planned the other way, with the extra miles shown. Free with an account.
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NaviBoss guides are written and checked by maritime industry experts, masters and deck officers. Each one is built from the same data the planner uses, dated, and rebuilt when that data changes. Spotted something wrong? Tell us on the feedback board.
A planning aid, not for navigation. Check official charts and publications, the latest notices and your company's instructions before you rely on any figure here.