Several of the largest container shipping companies are temporarily halting all cargo bookings to and from Russia due to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, including Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, ONE, and Hapag-Lloyd.

According to a statement made by Maersk, “As the stability and safety of our operations is already being directly and indirectly impacted by sanctions, new Maersk bookings within ocean and inland to and from Russia will be temporarily suspended.”

Further, MSC has stated, “Bookings for permitted Russia-related cargo will be accepted only with a thorough screening process by MSC with prepayment required for all imports to Russia.”

While MSC and Maersk will continue accepting and screening bookings for essential goods, such as food, medical equipment, and humanitarian goods, CMA CGM is suspending all services due to safety concerns.  “Our utmost priorities remain to protect our employees and ensure as much as possible the continuity of your supply chain,” said the company.

These major shipping lines are not the same as the liquid and bulk-goods carriers that move natural gas, oil, fertilizer, grain, etc.  The suspension will affect Russia more than it will the rest of the world, as it will put a strain on Russia’s ability to receive imported goods they depend on.

Deringer will continue to monitor this situation and keep you updated with any significant changes.