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MAERSK HALTS PORT CALLS AT HAIFA CITING THREAT RISKS
June 20, 2025
Maersk is temporarily halting vessel calls at the Port of Haifa, Israel's major port, amid the escalating conflict between the country and Iran.
The Danish container shipping company said it made the call following the latest developments in the Middle East.
"After carefully analysing threat risk reports regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran – particularly the potential risks of calling specific 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," Maersk said in a June 20 update.
The ocean carrier said it also suspended cargo acceptance for Haifa.
"The safety and security of our seafarers and operations are our top priorities. We have taken this proactive measure to safeguard our people, assets, and customers’ cargo in light of increased regional instability," it added.
The container shipping giant will continue calling at the Port of Ashdod, located about 40 kilometers south of Tel Aviv on Israel’s Mediterranean coast, while arranging alternative transport options for customers.
"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 said. "We will continue to closely monitor the situation and stand ready to reassess this decision as soon as it is safe and feasible to do so."
The decision follows an earlier suspension of air operations in Israel after the government closed Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport. The facility has remained shut for more than six days, with airspace still closed across Israel, Iran and neighboring Iraq.
Nonetheless, despite nearby missile strikes, operations at Haifa Port remain unaffected, with no reported damage or injuries, according to port officials.
