Maersk has suspended services to the Port of Haifa, the Danish line said in trade update, despite the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran.
The decision had been made following an assessment of risk reports concerning the Middle East conflict and its potential implications for crew safety, Maersk said.
“After carefully analysing threat risk reports regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, particularly the potential risks of calling at specific Israeli ports and the implications for the safety of our crews, Maersk has decided to temporarily suspend vessel calls at the Port of Haifa, Israel, and also suspend cargo acceptance for Haifa,” a carrier advisory said.
The duration of the suspension remains unspecified.
The surge in regional tensions has impacted container freight rates.
Drewry’s World Container Index rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam increased from $2 825 on 12 June to $3 171 by 19 June.
