"The safety and security of our seafarers and operations are our top priorities," Maersk said in a statement June 20. "We have taken this proactive measure to safeguard our people, assets, and customers’ cargo in light of increased regional instability." The ocean carrier said it had not experienced any further disruptions to its scheduled operations in the region.
Haifa port, which was privatized in 2022, is owned 70% by India's Adani Ports while the remaining 30% is held by Israel's Gadot Group.
"The port at Haifa is Israel’s busiest and most important link enabling international trade and exports as well as receiving and processing import containers supplying goods to the local population,” said Gartner VP analyst David Gonzalez. “Any degree of constraint to the accessibility of these and other ports in the region will add significant pressure to the remaining infrastructure as companies scramble to secure capacity and services to other entry and exit points across the region."
According to the New York Times, Iran sent a barrage of missiles into Israel on June 20 that struck in several places, including Haifa, where two people were severely injured. Earlier, Israel announced it had conducted overnight strikes on missile factories and a research center linked to Iran’s nuclear program.
