A full resumption of Danish shipping giant A.P. Möller-Maersk's maritime transport operations through the Red Sea could take place as early as this year, CEO Vincent Clerc said during a press briefing in Copenhagen, according to Bloomberg News.

Maersk has started an initial phase in which vessels are once again being routed through the area for the most critical services. Clerc emphasized that the reopening is expected to proceed gradually.

Clerc also stated that the company’s ships still require naval escort when passing through the region, and that currently available capacity is not sufficient for a complete return.