Denmark-based shipping giant Maersk announced that it has suspended its shipping operations in the Red Sea until further notice following the attack by Houthi militants on its ship "Maersk Hangzhou" last weekend. According to Maersk's official statement, the company decided to suspend transits through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden due to security concerns following the attack on 30 December. The company stated that it will continue to suspend cargo operations by closely following the developments in the region as well as the ongoing investigation into the incident.
The statement emphasised that alternative routes will be considered for the safety of Maersk customers and vessels will continue their voyages, travelling around the Cape of Good Hope if necessary. The company stated that the main purpose of this decision is to maximise the safety of seafarers and the cargo carried.
The commercial freighter "Maersk Hangzhou" had requested assistance following a missile attack by Houthi militants on 30 December while passing through the southern Red Sea. In response to this attack, the "USS Laboon" and "USS Gravely" military ships sent by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) neutralised two anti-ship ballistic missiles fired from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen.
Attacks by Houthi militants on commercial ships in the Red Sea have increased recently, and many shipping companies have taken similar security measures. The Pentagon announced that it was negotiating the establishment of an international "Maritime Task Force" against the attacks of Houthi forces on maritime transport and launched a multinational mission called "Operation Welfare Guardian" on 18 December. These developments raised concerns that security concerns in the Red Sea could negatively affect the global supply chain.
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