Hodaieah -- Danish shipping giant A.P. Moller–Maersk has confirmed that it will continue to reroute its vessels away from the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, citing persistent security risks posed by Yemen’s Houthi militia. The decision underscores the ongoing volatility in one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors and reflects the company’s commitment to crew safety and cargo protection.

Despite recent diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which some hoped might lead to a de-escalation of Houthi attacks, Maersk has opted to maintain its precautionary measures. According to statements from Danish and Egyptian officials, the company is “closely monitoring developments” but sees no immediate conditions for a safe return to the Suez Canal route.

Since late 2023, Houthi forces have targeted commercial vessels in the Red Sea, claiming to strike ships linked to Israel. These attacks have forced major shipping lines, including Maersk, to divert traffic around the Cape of Good Hope—adding significant transit time and cost to global trade operations.

The rerouting has had ripple effects across international supply chains, with increased freight rates and delays in cargo delivery. Egypt, which relies heavily on toll revenues from the Suez Canal, has reportedly lost billions in potential income due to the disruption.

Maersk’s continued avoidance of the Red Sea reflects broader industry caution, as carriers await concrete signs of stability before resuming normal operations. The company emphasized that “crew safety remains paramount” and that any future changes will be based on verified improvements in regional security.