Photo Credit: MAERSK
Maersk Suspends Haifa Port Operations Amid Israel–Iran Tensions, Reroutes Cargo via Ashdod
A.P. Moller–Maersk, the world’s largest container shipping company, has temporarily suspended vessel calls and cargo acceptance at Israel’s Port of Haifa in response to an escalation in regional security threats stemming from rising tensions between Israel and Iran. This decision follows detailed assessments indicating increased risks from missile and drone activity targeting military and strategic sites in northern Israel.
Maersk emphasized that the safety of its seafarers, vessels, and customer cargo remains its foremost concern. The suspension is a proactive measure designed to protect the crew and assets amid volatile regional conditions. The company confirmed that operations at the nearby Port of Ashdod will continue uninterrupted, and alternative inland logistics services are being deployed to buffer impacted shipments.
The disruption at Haifa, Israel’s busiest port and a strategic logistics gateway, has significant implications for regional supply chains. Maersk is working with customers to reroute affected cargo via Ashdod and coordinate inland transport to minimize delays. The firm stated it will closely monitor the situation and resume Haifa operations as soon as safety assessments allow.
Background events triggering this move include a series of retaliatory missile and drone strikes by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards targeting Haifa and Tel Aviv. These attacks, which followed Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory, have increased the perceived risk to maritime operations at the port.
This pause highlights the broader vulnerability of global shipping to Middle Eastern conflicts. It mirrors earlier rerouting trends, such as diverting container traffic around the Cape of Good Hope to avoid Red Sea threats, which elevated freight rates and extended transit times for key trade lanes.
Maersk’s announcement is also likely to prompt other shipping lines and insurers to reassess risk levels associated with Israeli ports. Carriers such as Hapag‑Lloyd have already adjusted services, and further operational changes or premium increases may follow depending on how conflict dynamics evolve.
In summary, Maersk’s pause at Haifa serves as a stark reminder of how geopolitical upheaval in the Middle East can sharply affect maritime trade. By shifting cargo flow to Ashdod and fortifying inland logistics pathways, the company aims to safeguard its operations while preserving continuity for customers.
