Global shipping giant Maersk, the world’s second-largest container line, has announced a temporary suspension of its vessel calls at the Port of Haifa, Israel, amid escalating missile strikes between Israel and Iran. The decision comes as Iranian missiles recently struck Beersheba in southern Israel, raising concerns over the safety of maritime operations in the region.
In a customer advisory issued on June 19, Maersk emphasized that the safety and security of its crew and operations are paramount. The Danish company stated that after thorough analysis of threat reports related to the ongoing conflict, it deemed the risks associated with calling Israeli ports too high to continue normal operations for the time being.
“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 assured.
Meanwhile, Maersk’s partner in the Gemini Cooperation east–west alliance, Hapag-Lloyd, reported that its operations in the Middle East remain unaffected by the conflict as of June 18.
As geopolitical tensions continue to influence global supply chains, shipping companies are increasingly vigilant in balancing operational commitments with crew safety, ensuring they adapt swiftly to evolving risk landscapes.
