Maersk would return to the Red Sea under US-led protection

AP Moller-Maersk A/Sthe second line of containers largest in the world, said it is preparing to resume shipping through the Red Seathanks to a new multinational maritime task force to protect ships from attacks by Houthi rebels from Yemen.

“We are currently working on plans for the first vessels to transit and for this to happen as soon as operationally possible,” the company said Sunday in an advisory.

Maersk stressed the importance of guaranteeing the safety of its employees, indicating that it is its number one priority in order to resume its operations in the Red Sea area and the Gulf of Aden.

international guard

In its statement on Sunday, Maersk said the creation of Operation Prosperity Guardian, a maritime task force created by USA and its allies, is “very welcome news for the entire industry.”

The United States and its allies say they are considering possible military action against the Houthis, who are backed by Iran.

Amid concerns that the war between Israel and Hamas could escalate into a regional conflict, the United States this weekend accused Iran of being behind an attack on an oil tanker in the Indian Ocean.

Maersk stressed on Sunday that while transit in the Red Sea resumes, “the overall risk is not eliminated in the area.” The company said it “would not hesitate” to reassess the safety situation of its vessels and employees.

Houthi attacks on ships have caused merchant fleets to largely avoid the southern Red Sea, carrying everything from manufactured goods and grain to oil and gas.