German destroyer Hessen will set sail for the Red Sea from February 1. (Source: Maritime-executive)

Germany is expected to join a European Union (EU) naval mission to protect shipping routes in the Red Sea, Reuters reported on January 14.

The head of the German parliament's defense committee, Maria-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, said the mission's goal is for EU frigates to protect commercial ships passing through the strait.

Earlier, speaking to the Welt am Sonntag newspaper, Ms. Strack-Zimmermann said that the German destroyer Hessen will set sail for the Red Sea from February 1. EU foreign ministers are expected to approve this plan in January.

Currently, transportation through the Suez Canal - one of the most important waterways in the world - is almost paralyzed because ships passing through here are constantly attacked by Houthi forces in Yemen.

Meanwhile, on January 15, the South Korean Defense Ministry said that the country is considering various measures to ensure safe movement of cargo ships in the Red Sea, amid escalating tensions on this major shipping route.

Speaking at a regular press conference, ministry spokesman Jeon Ha-kyu said: "The Ministry of National Defense is making every effort... Support measures are being considered, taking into account various factors."

South Korea's 300-member Cheonghae Unit has been operating in the Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters to carry out maritime security missions, including escorting civilian vessels and anti-piracy operations.

Last week, South Korea and nine other countries issued a joint statement supporting precision strikes by the US and UK against Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen in response to their continued attacks in the Red Sea.