Maersk suspends shipping through key Red Sea maritime trade route ‘until further notice’

Maersk has suspended shipping through the Red Sea and Suez Canal — one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes — “until further notice” as it continues to review security following an attack on one of its vessels.

The extended suspension reflects concern among international shipping giants about attacks on ships in the Red Sea by Iranian-backed Houthi militants, who say they are taking revenge against Israel for its military campaign against Hamas.

A prolonged campaign targeting commercial vessels could disrupt the global economy by delaying deliveries of goods, fuel and food, and pushing up prices.

The Danish shipping company initially introduced a 48-hour pause in transits through the Red Sea starting Sunday in the wake of the weekend attack by Houthi militants on the Maersk Hangzhou.

The attack happened just days after Maersk had resumed sailing in the area following the establishment of a US-led international naval mission to protect shipping.

“An investigation into the incident is ongoing and we will continue to pause all cargo movement through the area while we further assess the constantly evolving situation,” Maersk said in a statement Tuesday.