Business News, (CNBC): Maersk A/S, the world’s second-largest container line, announced its plans to resume shipping through the Red Sea with the support of a new multinational maritime task force aimed at safeguarding vessels from attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen.
In an advisory released on Sunday, the company stated, “We are currently working on plans for the first vessels to make the transit and for this to happen as soon as operationally possible. While doing so, ensuring the safety of our employees is of the utmost importance and our number one priority in handling the challenging situation in the Red Sea/Gulf of Aden area.”
The decision to resume shipping comes shortly after Maersk anticipated ongoing chaos in the Red Sea due to drone attacks from Houthi rebels amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. The company acknowledged the establishment of Operation Prosperity Guardian, a maritime task force initiated by the U.S. and its allies, as “most welcome news for the entire industry.” The U.S. and its allies are contemplating potential military action against the Houthi rebels, who receive support from Iran.
Maersk emphasized in its Sunday statement that although the transit in the Red Sea is set to resume, “the overall risk is not eliminated in the area.” The company pledged to “not hesitate” in re-evaluating the safety situation for its vessels and employees.
Houthi attacks on merchant ships have led to a widespread avoidance of the southern Red Sea by the merchant fleet, impacting the transportation of various goods, including manufactured goods, grains, oil, and gas.
