Maersk said it saw a clear need to adjust its processes in light of sanctions against Russia and the impact on supply chains.
“We are also starting to see the effect on global supply chain flows such as delays and detention of cargo by customs authorities across various transshipment hubs – overall resulting in unpredictable operational impacts,” said Maersk.
Maersk said that from today it would temporarily suspend new bookings to and from Russia across its ocean, air and intercontinental rail services “with the exception of foodstuffs, medical and humanitarian supplies (bar dual-use items).” MSC has suspended new bookings from March 1, and also said it would accept and screen shipments of essential goods. ONE made no mention of acceptable cargoes to and from Russia.
CMA CGM said that it had suspended all bookings to and from Russia from 1 March until further notice in the "interest of safety".
Maersk said it would do its utmost to deliver cargo underway and already booked, and so calls to Russia will continue, but warned of significant delays as European ports search vessels en route to Russia for restricted items.
German line Hapag-Lloyd temporarily suspended bookings to Russia on 24 March and is now offering free change of destination for containers in transit and cancalletion of bookings.
MSC’s suspension covers all bookings to and from Russia including Baltics, Black Sea and Far East Russia. Maersk’s suspension will cover all Russian gateway ports. ONE said bookings were immediately suspended to and from Odessa, Ukraine and Novorossiysk, Russia while booking acceptance to and from St. Petersburg, Russia were suspended while it evaluates operational feasibility.
Maersk and MSC both said their operations were adhering to relevant international sanctions.
“As Maersk acts in full compliance with legal regulations and its policies, we cannot receive from or make payments to any sanctioned Russian banks, or any other sanctioned party,” Maersk said.
Updated on 2 March with information from CMA CGM and Hapag-Lloyd
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