Major shipping companies have suspended passage through the Red Sea, amid security concerns driven by repeated Houthi attacks on ships in the area.

A number of vessels navigating the waters have come under attack by the Yemeni anti-government group in recent months. In November, a cargo ship operated by a Japanese company was seized by the group.

Britain's major oil company BP announced on Monday that it will temporarily suspend all transit through the Red Sea, citing the "deteriorating security situation for shipping in the Red Sea." The company will reroute its ships around the Cape of Good Hope, the southern tip of Africa.

Denmark's A.P. Moller-Maersk and Switzerland's Mediterranean Shipping Company have decided to take similar measures, according to British media reports.

Taiwan's Evergreen Marine on Monday said it "will temporary suspend Israel import and export service due to rising risk and safety considerations with immediate effect until further notice." Evergreen ships scheduled to pass through the Red Sea will be rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope, according to Reuters news agency.

Analysts say avoiding the Red Sea will likely push up shipping costs and cause more delays.