ME11 and MECL services will be rerouted around Africa, while vessel crossings in the Strait of Hormuz have been suspended
Due to the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East region following escalating military conflict, Maersk has decided – in close coordination with its security partners – to pause future Trans-Suez sailings through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait for the time being.
Until further notice, it stated, all sailings on the ME11 (Middle East-India to Mediterranean) and MECL (Middle East-India to East Coast US) services will be rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope.
”The safety of our crews, vessels and customers’ cargo remains our key priority and we will continue to monitor the situation closely and take all needed actions,” Maersk said.
”We remain committed to minimising the impact on our customers’ supply chains and will continue to keep them updated on the situation.
”Once the situation stabilises and the security conditions again permit, we will continue to prioritise the Trans-Suez route for ME11 and MECL services as it is the fastest, most sustainable and most efficient way for us to serve our customers,” the group noted.
Acceptance for cargo to the Middle East area remains open, it emphasised.
“We are suspending all vessel crossings in the Strait of Hormuz until further notice,” Maersk added.
”As a result, services calling ports in the Arabian Gulf may experience delays, rerouting, or schedule adjustments.”
