Shipping channels that may be dire? (7)
I believe the answer is:
straits
'shipping channels' is the definition.
'straits' can be an answer for 'channels' (strait is a kind of channel). I am unsure of the 'shipping' bit.
I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for straits that I've seen before include "Dire --, rock band" , "Narrow channels of the sea joining two larger bodies of water" , "Sea passages" , "... of Magellan, Hormuz" , "Difficulties" .)