Maersk will restore Ashdod to the rotation of its SLB North Sea service, ending the temporary arrangement under which the service called at Haifa instead. The change follows a period of operational stabilisation, according to the carrier.
The reinstatement will take effect from voyage 636S/638N, with the Maersk Izmir scheduled to make the first restored Ashdod call. The vessel is expected to arrive at Ashdod on September 17, 2026.
Maersk had previously introduced the temporary Haifa arrangement as part of an adjustment to its Israeli port rotation. The latest decision brings Ashdod back into the regular SLB service schedule as operational conditions improve.
The SLB service connects Israel with major ports in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, providing container shipping links for importers and exporters moving cargo between Israel and European markets.
The return to Ashdod is expected to provide customers with greater clarity over service schedules and restore the port’s role within the SLB rotation. It also gives shippers using Ashdod a direct connection within the service rather than relying on the temporary Haifa arrangement.
Maersk said it appreciated customers’ patience and support during the temporary service adjustment and will continue to monitor operations as the restored rotation takes effect.
The move comes as shipping lines continue to adjust their Middle East and Israel networks in response to changing operational conditions, with port access, security considerations and service reliability remaining key factors in network planning.
