The world’s second largest container line Maersk is temporarily suspending calls in Israel as the country continues to trade missile strikes with Iran. Iranian missiles struck Beersheba in southern Israel, overnight.
In a customer advisory issue on 19 June Maersk said: “After carefully analysing threat risk reports regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran—particularly the potential risks of calling Israeli ports and their implications for the safety of our crews, Maersk has made the decision to temporarily suspend vessel calls at the Port of Haifa, Israel, for Maersk-operated vessels.”
The Danish company said the safety and security of its crew and operations were its top priority.
“We are in close contact with customers who may be impacted by this decision and are working to provide alternative transport solutions to minimise disruption.”
Maersk’s partner in the Gemini Cooperation east – west alliance Hapag-Lloyd said on 18 June that its operations in Middle East remained unaffected due to the conflict.
