Maersk has said it is preparing to resume shipping operations through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, after an international military operation was deployed in the area to prevent attacks on commercial ships by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
“As of Sunday 24 December 2023, we have received confirmation that the previously announced multi-national security initiative Operation Prosperity Guardian (OPG) has now been set up and deployed to allow maritime commerce to pass through the Red Sea/Gulf of Aden and once again return to using the Suez Canal as a gateway between Asia and Europe,” the company said in a statement released December 24. “This is most welcome news for the entire industry and indeed the functionality of global trade.”
According to BBC News, Hapag-Lloyd has said it will decide on December 17 whether to resume using the route.
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The alternative route, around the Cape of Good Hope, adds about 3,500 nautical miles to the journey. This has led to fears of disruption to the supply of goods transported through the Suez Canal, and an increase in prices to cover the higher transport costs.
Other shipping giants including Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), CMA CGM and Hapag-Lloyd have also been avoiding the Red Sea route because of the increased threat of attacks.
