FREIGHT: Maersk Continuing to Avoid Red Sea Transits: Reuters

Danish shipping giant Maersk will continue to divert vessels away from the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea towards the Cape of Good Hope despite the announcement from the Houthis that they will curb attacks on non-Israeli ships, Reuters reported.

• Maersk said the Houthis’ announcement was "a very welcome step in the right direction towards stability and eventual normality for the global shipping industry".
• However, it said the security risk for commercial vessels passing through the Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandab remains high.
• "With this in mind – and the safety of our crew, vessels, and your cargo being our utmost priority – Maersk will continue to sail around Africa via the Cape of Good Hope until safe passage through the area is ensured for the longer term," it said.