A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) has decided to formally wind down its operations in Syria.
The carrier announced that the decision will be effective from 1 December, meaning that it will no longer offer shipments to or from any destinations in Syria.
Consequently, bookings to/from Syria will no longer be accepted from 1 December and Maersk vessels will no longer call Syrian ports.
The final vessel to call Syria will be the Maersk Narmada (346E/347W) on 28 November.
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“Honouring our existing commitments, we will ensure that all bookings to/from Syria with containers already assigned will be facilitated. All customers impacted by this announcement will be contacted individually to discuss delivery details,” said the Danish giant in a statement.
Maersk noted that Syria is a heavily sanctioned country and therefore the economic activity has already been severely curtailed; the company noted that it has performed limited activities in Syria in complete accordance with international sanctions.
“This has recently become even more challenging logistically, and we have therefore made the decision to close our operations down completely,” concluded the company’s statement.
Additionally, Maersk inked an agreement with Kumho Tyre, one of the world’s major tyre producers.
