The UK and international allies are examining ways to bolster maritime security in the Red Sea after oil giant BP paused all of its tanker journeys due to attacks from militants in Yemen.
Downing Street said it was talking to the shipping industry about the threat to vessels and providing security advice.
BP said it has witnessed a “deteriorating security situation” for its shipments.
Iranian-backed Houthi militants have stepped up attacks on vessels in the Red Sea in recent days.
The safety and security of our people and those working on our behalf is BP’s priority
BP statement
The rebels are understood to be targeting ships using the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, with the pro-Hamas group seeking to disrupt ships set for Israel.
On Monday, BP said: “In our trading & shipping business, as in all BP businesses, the safety and security of our people and those working on our behalf is BP’s priority.
“In light of the deteriorating security situation for shipping in the Red Sea, BP has decided to temporarily pause all transits through the Red Sea.
“We will keep this precautionary pause under ongoing review, subject to circumstances as they evolve in the region.”
We’re speaking to our partners, both internationally and in the region about how we can further strengthen maritime security, particularly in the context of the recent attacks
Prime Minister’s official spokesman
A number of shipping firms, such Maersk, had already paused container shipments through the area due to the surge in attacks.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “Obviously we are speaking to the sector. We’re speaking to our partners, both internationally and in the region about how we can further strengthen maritime security, particularly in the context of the recent attacks.
“You’ll understand I can’t get into the detail of what that will or will not entail.
“On the specifics, this is a commercial decision for BP.
“We are providing security advice to the shipping sector as necessary. But it remains for individual operators to decide on whether to continue their activity in light of the advice we provide.”
The UK has already bolstered its naval presence in the region, with the deployment of HMS Diamond.
On Saturday, it was revealed the Type 45 destroyer shot down a suspected attack drone which was targeting merchant shipping in the Red Sea.
Danish firm Maersk said it would suspend its activity in the region following a near miss involving its Maersk Gibraltar ship on Thursday.
Oil and gas prices increased on Monday due to the potential disruption caused the shipping issues.
The price of a barrel of Brent crude oil was up by 3% to 78.88 US dollars (£62.33) as markets were closing in London.
The shipping route is a key area for global trade, particularly for the transport of oil, grain and consumer goods from east Asia.
