Maersk, a global shipping giant with operations across the globe, has announced that it has suspended all of its Red Sea shipping services until further notice. This moves follows an attack on one of Maersk’s carrier vessels by Houthi militants in Yemen earlier this week.
Maersk Line released a statement on Wednesday, outlining the details of the attack. The statement said that the vessel was underway in the Red Sea when it was targeted by the Houthi militants. The vessel itself was reportedly unharmed but it sustained bullet holes, which led to Maersk concluding that the attack was deliberate and premeditated in nature.
In light of the attack, Maersk has opted to cease its Red Sea services until further notice. According to Maersk Line’s statement, the company is taking extra precautions in order to ensure the safety of its vessels and personnel sailing in the Red Sea. In addition, Maersk has requested that all vessels operating in the region be vigilant and undertake extra safety measures as a precaution.
These measures come in response to increased tensions in the Red Sea. The Houthi militants have targeted vessels belonging to other international carriers before some of which were equipped with armed guards but the attack on Maersk’s vessel “represents a disturbing and dangerous development”, one which Maersk Line wants to ensure is not repeated.
Currently, the suspension of Maersk’s Red Sea shipping remains in place and it is unclear as to when the company may resume its services. Until then, it will continue to provide alternative services to its customers via other routes such as the Suez Canal and Gulf of Aden, while taking additional safety measures for its vessels in the region.
It is hoped that with added security and increased awareness, Maersk will once again be able to safely and confidently provide its services in the Red Sea. Until then, the suspension of services remains in place and all vessels operating near Yemen are being advised to take extra precautions for their safety.
“Maersk Halts Red Sea Shipping—Don’t Miss Out!
