Services to the Port of Haifa will be temporarily reduced by Hapag Lloyd

By Admin

24 Jun, 2025

Temporary Suspension of EM3 Cargo Acceptance
In light of escalating geopolitical unrest in West Asia, German shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd has announced a temporary reduction in its services to the Port of Haifa, Israel. The company has suspended cargo acceptance on its East Med Shuttle 3 (EM3) service for cargoes bound for Haifa. However, operations under its Atlantic Loop 7 (AL7) service will continue to include calls to the port.

Focus on Crew Safety
Hapag-Lloyd has emphasized that the safety of its crew remains a top priority behind the decision. This cautious move comes in parallel with actions taken by other major players in the shipping industry. Notably, Maersk, the Danish shipping powerhouse, recently announced the temporary suspension of both cargo acceptance and vessel calls to Haifa.

Strategic Importance of Haifa Port
The Port of Haifa, Israel’s largest and most strategic port, is operated by the Adani-Gadot Group. The port plays a critical role in regional logistics and transshipment, handling approximately 20 million tons of cargo annually, according to its official website. With Haifa serving as a crucial maritime gateway, any disruption in services is likely to have ripple effects across the regional supply chain.

Industry-Wide Caution in a Volatile Region
The decision by Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk signals a broader trend of caution in the global shipping industry amid increasing instability in West Asia. As the situation evolves, stakeholders across the maritime and logistics sectors will be closely monitoring further developments to adapt operations and ensure safety.