Shipping giant Maersk has announced its readiness to resume sailing through the Red Sea following the launch of Operation Prosperity Guardian (OPG), a United States-led multinational naval operation aimed at safeguarding shipping routes from attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels based in Yemen.

(Photo : INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images)
A picture taken on June 24, 2019 shows a containers of "Maersk" company at the canal port in Dortmund, western Germany.

Maersk to Resume Sailing Through the Red Sea

According to the Associated Press, in response to Houthi attacks causing substantial disruptions in the Suez Canal and the Red Sea, Maersk revealed its intention to navigate its vessels through these vital arteries for trade in oil, grain, and consumer goods between Europe and Asia again. 

The company received confirmation that Operation Prosperity Guardian is now operational, allowing maritime commerce to pass via the Red Sea-Gulf of Aden and then using the Suez Canal again.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Maersk expressed its commitment to implementing plans for the first vessels to make this journey as soon as operationally feasible. 

The Houthi rebels have been engaged in conflicts since seizing Yemen's capital, Sanaa, in 2014. It has led to a prolonged war against a Saudi-led coalition and occasionally targeted ships in the region.

However, Houthi attacks have increased since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, extending beyond vessels heading to or from Israel, with container ships and oil tankers flagged to various countries facing attacks or missile fire. 

READ ALSO: Shipping Giants Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd Begin Rerouting Ships to Avoid Red Sea as Houthi Attacks Increase 

Maersk Rerouting Ships

The increased frequency of such incidents prompted major shipping companies, including Maersk, to reroute their vessels, opting for the longer Cape of Good Hope route in South Africa.

It resulted in additional travel time estimated at one to two weeks. According to AP, this alteration in shipping routes has disrupted global trade and escalated fuel and insurance costs. 

To counter these challenges, the multinational security initiative Operation Prosperity Guardian was launched and deployed to ensure the safe passage of maritime commerce through the Red Sea.

However, the region's geopolitical complexities and ongoing conflicts continue to pose challenges for major shipping companies. According to reports, there have already been 15 attacks on commercial shipping by the Houthis since October 17, with the last one happening on Saturday. 

READ MORE: Shipping Giants Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd Suspend Red Sea Travel After Houthi Rebel Attacks