Maersk, one of the world’s largest shipping companies, has announced its decision to resume shipping through the Red Sea under the escort of Operation Prosperity Guardian (OPG). However, concerns remain as France, Italy, and Spain have dropped out of the multinational naval force, weakening its overall effectiveness. The force, led by the United States, was created to protect maritime traffic from attacks by Yemeni Houthi rebels.
The decision to form an anti-Houthi coalition was prompted by repeated attacks on ships traveling to and from the Suez Canal, which posed a threat to international maritime routes. The US Navy, already having a significant presence in the region, sought support from friendly nations due to limited resources and political considerations.
The Bab el-Mandeb passage, a strategically important choke point where the Indian Ocean meets the Red Sea, is under Yemen’s control. The area is plagued by piracy, making it essential to keep shipping lanes open and secure. The Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150) had previously been engaged in anti-piracy missions, with participation from over 30 nations. In 2022, the new CTF-153 took over, including US, Japanese, and South Korean destroyers.
Amid the recent conflict in Gaza, the US Navy deployed additional assets to the region, anticipating potential adversaries. The US and Iran engaged in diplomacy to avoid confrontation, with Iran assuring it was not involved in the Hamas attacks on Israel. However, the Houthi rebels, considered Iranian proxies, escalated tensions by targeting Israel and US Navy destroyers in the Red Sea. The US Navy responded by intercepting and shooting down missiles and drones.
The escalating attacks led to major shipping companies opting for the longer and more expensive route around Africa, resulting in a $700 surcharge per container and potential inflation. The US sought to assemble a robust force of up to 20 participating nations for Operation Prosperity Guardian. However, China, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt declined to join, citing various reasons.
Currently, the United Kingdom, Norway, the Netherlands, Greece, Canada, and Australia remain officially committed to the OPG. Maersk’s decision to resume shipping under OPG escort is seen as a positive development, but the company has emphasized its willingness to revert to the longer route if safety conditions deteriorate.
Operation Prosperity Guardian is not merely an act of escorting ships through the Red Sea. Recent signs indicate a potential major escalation that could involve regional actors. The situation calls for continued monitoring and international cooperation to ensure the safety of maritime routes and prevent further destabilization in the region.
