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Global container shipping giant Maersk says it is prepared to suspend cargo bookings to and from Russia on ocean and inland in compliance with international sanctions against Russia
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The company tells customers it is closely watching the situation after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and assessing the best options for customers and their cargo
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Maersk’s focus on safeguarding reefers and keeping cold chain operations stable , as their commodities include groceries and pharmaceuticals
World shipping giant AP Moeller Maersk says it is prepared to suspend bookings for ocean and inland container cargo shipments to and from Russia to comply with international sanctions against that country for invading Ukraine.
The Sweden-based liner company said in its latest statement that it is closely monitoring the conflict and assessing the best options for its customers and their cargo.
“We are closely monitoring and 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 constantly developing situation,” Maersk said in its fifth customer advisory since the invasion began on February 24.
The liner operator said that it will deliver cargo shipments already at sea to their intended destination, with 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,” Maersk said.
The company reiterated that the security and well-being of Maersk employees remain a top priority as the conflict enters its sixth day.
The United States, European Union, Canada and Britain have all imposed sanctions against Russia after President Vladimir Putin sent his troops, aircraft and armor into Ukraine last week in a bid to topple its pro-NATO President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The measures include blocking certain Russian banks’ access to the SWIFT international payment system and freezing the assets of Russia’s central bank.
The shipping giant has been active in Russia since 1992 and operates routes to and from the key ports of St. Petersburg, Novorossiysk, Vladivostok, Vostochny and Kaliningrad. Its previous advisory said it had stopped accepting bookings to and from Ukraine until further notice.
“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,” Maersk said, promising to give customers “the best ability to manage your supply chain.”
