Carriers suspend container shipping to Russia

28 February 2022

Container shipping giant Maersk said it is preparing "to comply with the ever-evolving sanctions and restrictions imposed against Russia while we safeguard our operations and our people in consideration of the constant developing situation.

"Our preparations include a possible suspension of Maersk bookings to and from Russia on ocean and inland," the company said.

"We are at the same time keeping a close eye on developments and assessing the best options for our customers and their cargo. For cargo already on the water we will do our utmost to deliver it to its intended destination. We have a sharp focus on safeguarding reefer containers and keeping cold chain operations as stable as possible, as the commodities include important goods such as groceries and pharmaceuticals. We are doing everything possible to prevent risk to the above cargo and in turn risk to the end-users in need of these commodities. It’s also worth noting that air space is also gradually being restricted and our air services will be impacted."

"The security and well-being of Maersk employees remains a top priority and we continue to put plans in place so that all affected employees and their families get the support needed. We have global coverage for any customer requests coming to the Ukraine Customer Experience teams. Normal requests will be handled as usual, but we ask for patience as global teams handle country-specific requests."

"Giving you the best ability to manage your supply chain is of the utmost importance to us and we are working to give you everything you need to run your global logistics in these circumstances. We expect to be able to share more information with you later today."

25 February 2022

Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have stopped bookings and calls at Ukraine due to the outbreak of war in the country, and Hapag-Lloyd has placed a temporary booking suspension in Russia. 

Maersk said in a customer advisory that as of 24 February, all Maersk employees have been instructed to work from home away from any conflict areas. It has also implemented a business continuity strategy so that “we can continue to serve our customers’ supply chain needs as the situation allows”.   

The current circumstances mean that Maersk has decided not to call at any ports in Ukraine until further notice and will stop accepting orders to and from Ukraine until further notice. Its advisory said that services in Russia, meanwhile, currently remain available but are potentially subject to change as things develop. Cargo currently en route is being planned for discharge in Port Said and Korfez.

Maersk added it will be “closely following how events unfold to gain a better insight into the situation, with teams across the company working with the intense focus of keeping global logistics moving. We will continue to adapt to the situation to deliver your cargo safely”. 

Meanwhile, Hapag-Lloyd said in a customer news update that the current situation in Ukraine and Russia has led to changes in the operational outlook for these countries, with the initial procedure for bookings to and from both countries with immediate effect: Ukraine: booking stop; Russia: temporary booking suspension.

It added, “In cases where the shipments were already en route to Ukraine or Russia, please know that our teams are working to assist you, based on your individual situation.”

Hapag-Lloyd’s office in Odessa is closed for the time being, and all its executives are working from home. The terminal operations and inland transportation have stopped.

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