Shipping giant Maersk pulls out of Syria, blaming sanctions

Denmark-based shipping giant Maersk said it is winding down operations in Syria due to the difficulties created by sanctions.

‘We have decided to formally wind down our operations in Syria effective 1st December 2023. This means we will no longer offer shipments to or from any destinations in Syria,’ the company said, adding that the Maersk Narmada was the last vessel to call on a Syrian port on 28 November.

‘With Syria being a highly sanctioned country, business activity has already been very restricted, and Maersk has therefore conducted limited operations in Syria in full compliance with international sanctions. This has recently become even more challenging logistically, and we have therefore made the decision to close our operations down completely,’ the company explained.