The world’s second-largest container line, A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S, tried to put on a brave face in a statement issued Dec. 24 announcing that it’s preparing to resume shipping through the Red Sea, thanks to the protection offered commercial shippers by Operation Prosperity Guardian, the maritime military task force set up by the U.S. and allies, against drone attacks by Houthi forces in Yemen. “We are currently working on plans for the first vessels to make the transit and for this to happen as soon as operationally possible,” Maersk said Dec. 24 in an advisory. They added that “the overall risk is not eliminated in the area,” and that they would “not hesitate” to re-evaluate the safety situation for its vessels and employees.
In reporting the news, Bloomberg noted what has been widely commented in the media: “The U.S. and its allies say they are considering possible military action against the Houthis, which are backed by Iran.”
