Maersk Halts Haifa Port Calls Amid Escalating Israel-Iran Tensions

By Admin

21 Jun, 2025

Amid rising geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran, global container shipping giant Maersk has announced the temporary suspension of vessel calls at Haifa Port, one of Israel’s major maritime hubs. The move comes as a precautionary measure to safeguard operations and crew safety following escalating military actions in the region.

Despite this suspension, Maersk has confirmed that there have been no additional interruptions to its planned activities in nearby areas, signaling a cautious yet controlled response to the unfolding situation.

Haifa Port, strategically located on Israel’s Mediterranean coast, has been under majority foreign ownership since its privatization in 2022. Adani Ports of India holds a 70% stake in the port, while the remaining 30% is owned by Israel’s Gadot Group. Adani Ports, led by billionaire Gautam Adani, is the ports and logistics arm of the Adani Group and currently operates four ports beyond Indian waters, including Haifa.

The geopolitical tension took a severe turn last Friday when Israel began aerial strikes on Iran, citing efforts to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. In a forceful response, Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting military and industrial sites in Haifa and Tel Aviv, which it claims are linked to Israel’s defense infrastructure. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards officially acknowledged these strikes, further escalating the already volatile scenario.

As Haifa remains under high alert, the maritime industry watches closely for further developments. Maersk’s decision underscores the vulnerability of global shipping operations to regional conflicts and the importance of adaptive risk management in volatile zones.