By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Africanews
Published on 2024-01-19 17:51:26
Maersk, the Danish shipping giant, has announced the temporary suspension of bookings to Djibouti from key regions including Asia, the Middle East, Oceania, East Africa, and South Africa in response to heightened security risks in the Red Sea/Gulf of Aden region. The decision impacts Maersk’s Blue Nile Express service, a vital route connecting various ports.
The company highlighted the ongoing volatility in and around the Red Sea/Gulf of Aden, emphasizing the significantly high security risk based on available intelligence. As a precautionary measure, Maersk has decided to omit Djibouti, as well as Jeddah and King Abdullah Port in Saudi Arabia, from its Blue Nile Express service with immediate effect.
The Blue Nile Express typically links ports in the United Arab Emirates, Oman, India, Djibouti, and Saudi Arabia. Despite the suspension of Djibouti from its service, Maersk assured stakeholders that it does not anticipate any impact on carrying capacity.
This move by Maersk reflects the challenges posed by the complex geopolitical and security landscape in the region. Shipping companies often adjust their routes and operations based on security assessments to ensure the safety of their vessels, cargo, and crew.
It is not uncommon for companies to make adjustments to their routes and operations in response to security risks. Maersk’s decision to suspend bookings to Djibouti and omit certain ports from its service demonstrates the company’s commitment to prioritizing the safety and security of its operations in the Red Sea/Gulf of Aden region.
Maersk’s decision is a proactive response to the volatile security situation in the region. By temporarily suspending bookings to Djibouti and omitting certain ports from its service, Maersk is taking steps to mitigate the security risks and ensure the safety of its operations in the Red Sea/Gulf of Aden region.
