OREANDA-NEWS  Container carrier Maersk announced that it intends to resume deliveries through the Red Sea. They were suspended by the company on December 15 due to several Houthi attacks on ships in the region.

The carrier explained that it had decided to resume deliveries against the background of the decision of several countries, led by the United States, to conduct a military operation "Guardian of Prosperity" (OPG) in the Red Sea to ensure the safety of ships. "As part of the OPG initiative, we are preparing to allow ships to resume transit through the Red Sea in both the eastern and western directions," Maersk said (quoted by Axios).

In a recommendation to customers, the company clarified that "the general risk in the area has not been eliminated," so shipping may be suspended again in case of problems. "We plan for the first ships to transit and for this to happen as soon as possible. At the same time, ensuring the safety of our employees is of paramount importance and is our priority," Maersk added.

In December, attacks on ships sailing in international waters in the Red Sea increased amid the outbreak of war between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas movement. Strikes using rockets or drones are carried out by the Yemeni Houthis, who support Hamas, against ships associated, in their opinion, with Israel. According to CNBC, $35 billion worth of cargo was redirected to bypass the Red Sea.