Maersk says it's preparing to resume Red Sea voyages after Yemeni attacks

Thanks to the beginning of a multinational naval operation headed by the United States to defend shipping from attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen, shipping company Maersk says it is getting ready to permit ships to resume traveling through the Red Sea.

The Red Sea and the Suez Canal, which are crucial routes for the trade of consumer goods, natural gas, oil, and grains between Europe and Asia, have been severely disrupted by the Houthi attacks.

"We have received confirmation that the previously announced multi-national security initiative Operation Prosperity Guardian (OPG) has now been set up and deployed to allow maritime commerce to pass through the Red Sea-Gulf of Aden and once again return to using the Suez Canal as a gateway between Asia and Europe," Maersk said in a statement on Sunday.

The company stated that plans were being developed "and for this to happen as soon as operationally possible" in order to prepare the first ships for the voyage.