Maersk Prepares To Resume Red Sea Voyages

Shipping firm Maersk has announced its preparations to allow vessels to resume sailing through the Red Sea, thanks to the commencement of a US-led multinational naval operation aimed at protecting shipping from attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen, The Associated Press (AP) reported.

Maersk is working on plans for the first vessels to make this journey, aiming for it to happen as soon as operationally possible.

Houthi attacks have significantly disrupted shipping through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea, vital arteries for the trade of oil, natural gas, grain, and consumer goods between Europe and Asia.

Maersk stated recently that they have received confirmation of the deployment of the previously announced multinational security initiative, Operation Prosperity Guardian (OPG).

OPG aims to facilitate maritime commerce through the Red Sea-Gulf of Aden and restore the use of the Suez Canal as a gateway between Asia and Europe. Maersk is working on plans for the first vessels to make this journey, aiming for it to happen as soon as operationally possible.

On Saturday, a US warship intercepted four incoming drones from Houthi-controlled areas, and a Norwegian-flagged chemicals and oil tanker reported a near miss of an attack drone.

An India-flagged tanker was hit with no reported injuries. These incidents marked the 14th and 15th attacks on commercial shipping by the Houthis since October 17.

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