Danish shipping company Maersk has decided to pause some of its ships sailing through the Red Sea because of the growing military conflict involving the U.S., Israel and Iran.
In a statement, Maersk said it will temporarily stop using the route through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Suez Canal due to safety concerns. The company also warned that services to countries in the Persian Gulf, including the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar, may be affected.
The decision comes after renewed threats from Houthi forces targeting ships in the region.
Longer routes and higher costs
The Red Sea and Suez Canal route is a key trade corridor linking Asia and Europe. According to logistics analysis from Crown Worldwide, shipping lines diverting vessels around the Cape of Good Hope in southern Africa can face transit delays of seven to ten days, with some cargo potentially delayed by several weeks.
The rerouting also increases fuel consumption and freight rates, adding pressure to global supply chains.
Maersk had recently planned to resume Red Sea operations after nearly two years of disruption. The latest conflict is now once again affecting global shipping and trade routes.
