The violence sparked between Israel and Hamas has affected ports with international shipping companies cautioning maritime players to exercise caution when voyaging near the region.
Israel’s Port of Ashkelon and its oil terminal have closed amidst the conflict, reported Reuters. The port is located nearest to the fighting, at 10 kilometres north of the border of the Gaza Strip, which is currently the target of attacks from Israel Defense forces.
Ashdod Port reported that, despite the increase in violence, it continues to operate regularly. The Port of Haifa also remains open, according to Reuters.
Maersk announced that its port operations across Israel’s major terminals are continuing to function normally.
“Bookings will therefore continue to be accepted to and from Israel; if you have cargo already booked to or from Israel, we expect to facilitate it as normal,” Maersk stated in a company advisory.
Maersk also reported that inland services – both road and rail – are fully operational in and around the region.
MSC held a similar tone stating: “Since Israel’s major terminals are operational, as at 9 October, we continue to deliver cargo to/from Israel.”
“MSC will continue to monitor the impact of the security situation on trade and follow advice from the government and will review its service network accordingly,” MSC reported in a company statement.
Late August this year, MSC announced it will enhance the Israel Express restarting a partnership with ZIM under a vessel sharing agreement.
More recently, Turkey sought after an alternative to the India-Middle East trade route having undergone “intensive negotiations” with regional partners with the hopes of re-establishing the country as a key global trade hub.