GENEVA: The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has issued a stark warning regarding the vulnerabilities of global supply chains, emphasizing the risks posed by key maritime chokepoints. The "Review of Maritime Transport 2024" report underscores the increasing pressures these routes face, threatening the stability of global trade, food security, and energy supplies. According to Emirates News Agency, the report highlights that critical chokepoints, including the Panama Canal, the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, and the Black Sea, are experiencing significant strain due to a combination of geopolitical tensions, climate impacts, and conflicts. These disruptions have led to delays, rerouting, and higher costs for maritime trade, which grew by 2.4% in 2023 but faces an uncertain future. While the report projects a modest 2% growth for 2024, it notes that this outlook is contingent upon the industry's ability to adapt to ongoing disruptions, such as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East an d the war in Ukraine. The report details a substantial decline in traffic through the Panama and Suez Canals by mid-2024, attributed to climate-induced low water levels and regional conflicts. As a result, cargo rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope has surged, increasing costs and carbon emissions. The diversion has added pressure to global logistics, with increased port congestion and higher operational costs. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are particularly vulnerable to these disruptions, facing severe impacts such as rising consumer prices. The report stresses the need for resilience in the maritime industry, urging investments in infrastructure, workforce development, and technology to mitigate the effects of climate change and other disruptions. The report also highlights the necessity for rapid decarbonization in the maritime sector, with the International Maritime Organisation's (IMO) new greenhouse gas emission targets driving the need for greener ships and low carbon fuels. However, progress remains slow due to uncertainties over future fuels and technology. Additionally, the rise of fraudulent ship registrations poses a threat to safety, security, and pollution control, with UNCTAD calling for coordinated efforts to combat these practices. The report concludes by urging global cooperation to enhance port efficiency, combat fraudulent registrations, and support vulnerable economies, aiming to build a more resilient and sustainable maritime future.