Shipping group CMA CGM has become the latest to suspend transit of its vessels through the Red Sea due to security concerns, according to a source quoted by news agency Reuters.
Crossings by its vessels of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait in and out of the Red Sea will be halted until further notice, the source familiar with the matter said.
The decision is understood to have been taken after the latest attacks on vessels by Houthi militants in Yemen this week, which saw a convoy containing CMA CGM-operated ships targeted.
Other major shipping firms have already suspended transit through the southern Red Sea – the main route for trade between Asia and Europe – due to security concerns.
CMA CGM is one of the world’s largest container shipping lines.
It had already redirected some of its services around southern Africa, however, other ships had continued to pass through the Red Sea supported by French navy escorts.
For context: Iran-backed Houthi militants have been launching explosive drones and missiles at commercial vessels in the Red Sea since November.
The group says the attacks, which have disrupted global trade, are in response to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
The US and the UK have responded with strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen.
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