The Danish shipping giant Maersk has announced its intention to resume shipping through the Red Sea region. This decision comes after the United States announced a security initiative to patrol the region and ensure the safety of vessels. Maersk had originally canceled shipping through the region due to security concerns related to Houthi attacks.
In mid-December, Maersk suspended shipments through the Red Sea following drone and missile attacks on ships in the region. However, the company has now stated that it will be resuming operations through the route, thanks to the multinational security initiative Operation Prosperity Guardian (OPG) being set up and deployed to allow maritime commerce to pass through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The OPG initiative was announced by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin last week as a means to jointly address security challenges in the region and ensure freedom of navigation. Over 20 nations have signed up to the coalition, including France, Italy, Canada, the UK, Spain, the Netherlands, Bahrain, and Seychelles.
The OPG initiative was established after Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen began attacking merchant vessels traversing the Red Sea in retaliation for Israel’s operations in Palestine. According to the U.S. Central Command, the Houthis have attacked 15 commercial shipping vessels since October 17.
Maersk had earlier announced a suspension in transit through the Red Sea due to near-miss incidents involving attacks on its vessels. With the decision to resume transportation through the Red Sea route, the company is assessing the immediate effects of the resolution.
The Suez Canal, which connects the Red Sea with the Mediterranean, is the quickest sea route between Asia and Europe. However, due to tensions in the Red Sea, many vessels are being diverted to take a longer route around Africa, extending shipment time and adding to costs.
Operation Prosperity Guardian is a multinational initiative aimed at ensuring the safety of maritime commerce in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Over 20 nations have signed on to participate in this effort, contributing military assets like ships and aircraft to serve as a highway patrol in the region. This operation aims to respond and assist commercial vehicles transiting through the area and counter the Houthi attacks.