Danish shipping major Maersk Line has closed bookings for cargo that transship over Jebel Ali to or from Qatar for the time being.
The move was triggered by the ongoing diplomatic crisis between Qatar and Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain, that banned ships in their ports coming or destined for Qatar.
The restrictions were imposed following a diplomatic dispute between Saudi Arabia and Qatar which broke off all diplomatic ties. Subsequently, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt cut the ties with Qatar on June 5 on the grounds of its alleged relations with Iran and Islamist groups.
However, the Suez Canal Authority has advised that vessels flying the Qatari flag transiting the Suez Canal will not face restrictions as Suez Canal is an international water passage.
The decision is impacting directly the operations of DP World Jebel Ali and Abu Dhabi Terminals, which are no longer accepting cargo to/from Qatar ports, including transshipment cargo. The ban also includes Qatari-flagged ships.
“In line with the UAE government’s recent decision on severing diplomatic ties with the State of Qatar, DP World confirms that vessels with the flag of Qatar or vessels destined to or arriving from Qatar are not allowed to call at any DP World terminals in the UAE until further notice,” a DP World spokesperson told World Maritime News in a statement.
” We are working on alternative solutions to ensure movement of cargo in compliance with above guidelines,” Maersk Line said.
Potential alternative solutions are expected to be announced within a couple of days.
World Maritime News Staff