Shipping giant Maersk to divert vessels away from the Red Sea ‘for the foreseeable future

Danish shipping giant Maersk said Friday it would extend its diversion of vessels from the Red Sea for the “foreseeable future” due to safety concerns amid a spate of attacks by Houthi militants.

“The situation is constantly evolving and remains highly volatile, and all available intelligence at hand confirms that the security risk continues to be at a significantly elevated level,” Maersk said in a statement.

It added that it hoped to now bring customers “more consistency and predictability,” despite delays to deliveries.

The diversion means avoiding the quickest path between Europe and Asia through Egypt’s Suez Canal, and taking the longer Cape of Good Hope route around southern Africa.