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Giant ocean liners halt bookings to and from Belarus starting March 4 to comply with sanctions for its role in the Ukranian conflict
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CMA CGM tells customers the booking suspension is total and in effect until further notice
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Maersk says it is exempting foodstuff, medicines and humanitarian supplies
CMA-CGM and AP Moeller-Maersk have suspended cargo bookings to and from Belarus effective March 4 as the two global container shipping giants complied with international sanctions imposed on that country for supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The two maritime companies added Belarus to Russia and Ukraine as locations where they are temporarily stopping operations due to the sanctions and for the safety of their staff as well.
The world’s largest ocean liner, Mediterranean Shipping Company, has not yet made a similar announcement.
French liner operator CMA CGM said in an advisory to customers that the total halt to Belarus cargo bookings will be in effect until further notice.
Maersk, in a similar advisory, said it was suspending all cargo bookings to Belarus, except for foodstuff, medicines and humanitarian supplies.
Both Maersk and CMA-CGM said there were making all the adjustments with the safety of their employees in mind and ensuring continuity of their customers’ supply chains as the top priorities as the the developing situation in Ukraine and the Black Sea region.
CMA CGM said that to support its customers, it has set the following special conditions for cargo en route to and from Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus until further notice:
- Full waiver of cancellation fees for bookings on these destinations
- Change of destination at cost but stowage or shifting costs may apply
Maersk, the second-largest container liner globally, said it is making necessary adjustments in line with new sanctions that foreign governments imposed on Russia and its allies.
“After careful consideration, we now see the clear need to establish new and revise existing processes of accepting and handling bookings for Belarus,” Maersk said, adding it has already implemented strict controls to cargo in and out of that country in connection with the sanctions.
“For Belarus, only bookings for foodstuff, medicines and humanitarian supplies (except dual use) will be accepted after extensive screening,” Maersk said, citing its social responsibility and efforts to support society despite current complications and uncertainties in the supply chain.
Maersk added that it cannot receive or make payments to any sanctioned Belarusian and Russian banks or parties.
