Shipping companies announce return to Red Sea as Houthi attacks continue

French shipping giant CMA-CGM has resumed some transit through the Red Sea, days after Danish group Maersk announced it would return as a U.S.-led naval coalition is now policing the maritime route against Yemeni rebel attacks.

The attacks prompted shipping companies to reroute vessels around the southern tip of Africa earlier this month – a longer and more expensive trip than the Red Sea route that links up with the Suez Canal.

The United States launched a multinational task force last week to counter the Houthi missile and drone attacks along the route, which carries up to 12 percent of global trade.

The Houthis say they are targeting Israel and Israeli-linked vessels to push for a stop to the offensive in the Gaza Strip, where Israel is battling Hamas militants.

CMA-CGM said in a notice on Tuesday that "some vessels have made the transit through the Red Sea" following an "in-depth evaluation of the security landscape and our commitment to the security and safety of our seafarers."

"We are currently devising plans for the gradual increase in the number of vessels transiting through the Suez Canal," it said.

Maersk announced on Sunday it was preparing to resume transit through the Red Sea, with the first voyages to take place "as soon as operationally possible."