2024-01-05 11:52:53
Danish shipowner Maersk will avoid the Red Sea until further notice due to attacks by Houthi rebels.
Danish shipping giant Maersk announced on Friday that it would divert its fleet via the Cape of Good Hope to avoid the Red Sea where it suspended all passage following attacks by Houthi rebels. “All Maersk vessels scheduled to transit the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden will be diverted south, around the Cape of Good Hope, in the near future,” the carrier said in a statement.
“All available information confirms that the security risk (in the Red Sea) remains at a considerably high level,” Maersk said.
On Tuesday, Maersk indicated that it would not resume the passage of its fleet through a strategic strait in the Red Sea, following its suspension on Sunday after the attack by Houthi rebels against one of its ships. Since November 18, 25 commercial boats traveling in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden have been attacked.
12% of world trade
“We are aware of the potential impact of this decision on your logistics operations, but please be assured that all decisions have been carefully considered and prioritize the safety of our ships, our sailors and your cargo” , wrote the shipowner for the benefit of its customers. On Wednesday, 12 countries urged the Houthis to “immediately stop their illegal attacks” on ships in the Red Sea, threatening them with “consequences”.
The United States set up in December, with other countries, an international coalition to protect maritime traffic from attacks by the Houthis, in this strategic zone where 12% of world trade passes. The Houthis, who say they are in solidarity with Palestinian Hamas in the war between it and Israel in the Gaza Strip, have warned that they will target ships sailing off the coast of Yemen with links to Israel.
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