Maersk Resumes Red Sea Navigation After The Launch Of Multinational Naval Operation

Maersk will resume its operations in the Red Sea after the United States launched Operation Prosperity Guardian (OPG), a multinational naval operation to protect shipping in Yemen from assaults by the Houthi rebels.

Critical commercial routes have been affected by the Houthi strikes, affecting the Red Sea and Suez Canal commerce of food, consumer products, oil, and gas between Europe and Asia.

Maersk affirms that ships are prepared to pass via the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden using the Suez Canal once more as part of the operations led by OPG. The business is working hard to prepare the initial voyages and wants to get them into service as soon as possible.

In 2014, Houthi rebels supported by Iran took over the capital of Yemen, sparking a war against a coalition commanded by Saudi Arabia. Attacks against ships in the area increased during the Israel-Hamas conflict. Beyond vessels travelling to or from Israel, the rebels are now posing a threat to container ships and oil tankers flying the flags of nations like Norway and Liberia.

Major maritime firms, such as Maersk, chose to take longer routes across Africa and the Cape of Good Hope to avoid the Red Sea due to the escalation. Travel times were significantly extended by this reroute, resulting in delays and increased expenses for gasoline and insurance.

Maersk admits that the risk associated with the Red Sea has remained even with the start of shipping again. With the significant exception of Spain, which has opted not to join in thwarting Red Sea assaults, over 20 nations are part of the coalition led by the United States.

The United States accuses Iran of supporting the Houthi rebels in these maritime operations.

Reference: Times of Israel

Maersk Resumes Red Sea Navigation After The Launch Of Multinational Naval Operation appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News