Maersk statement on military-related cargo shipments
COPENHAGEN : Maersk’s business operations are guided by international standards for responsible business conduct, including the UN Global Compact and OECD guidelines.
Maersk upholds a strict policy of not shipping weapons or ammunition to active conflict zones, ensuring compliance with international regulations and alignment with our company values. Maersk conduct heightened due diligence, particularly in regions affected by active conflicts, including Israel and Gaza, and regularly adapt this due diligence to the changing context. From the outset of the current conflict between Hamas and Israel and as it escalated, they have enhanced their cargo review and acceptance procedures as well as implemented additional compliance measures to reinforce their commitment to responsible operations within the framework of international standards. Maersk draw the line between what they accept to transport and what we don’t after careful consideration of the recommendations, laws and regulations. While they realise that their line may not coincide with the wishes of everybody, it does ensure that Maersk are within the frameworks that define responsible business practice and uphold our values.
As a global company, Maersk serve all types of customers, including companies, institutions and states. They also have contracts with the U.S. government through the inclusion of our U.S. flag subsidiary, Maersk Line, Limited (MLL), in the Maritime Security Program. In support of official U.S. policy, these contracts include the transportation of cargo to over 180 countries under security cooperation programs, including also the transportation of civilian and military-related cargo to Israel, and follow a consistent approach across countries.
Furthermore, the cargo shipped by MLL on behalf of the U.S. government to Israel has always had an overall, clear restriction. The U.S. security cooperation program prohibits transporting classified or sensitive cargo, which includes weapons and ammunition, without a Transportation Plan submitted by the transporter and approved by the U.S. government. MLL has never submitted a Transportation Plan for approval of these types of shipments, which confirms that MLL has never transported classified or sensitive equipment under this program.
The Middle East conflict has geopolitical, security and tragic humanitarian consequences across the region. It is extraordinarily complex, with decades of tension often provoking activism and tense polarized public debate with little room for nuances.
As a global corporation, Maersk work with a diverse range of stakeholders from all parts of the world. They choose to build a company with a culture that accommodates and embraces profound differences in values, opinions and perspectives. Their core values encompass mutual respect, attentiveness and open-mindedness. These values and a firm stance against being pressured into a singular worldview are essential to navigating and collaborating across complex, diverse – and sometimes conflicting – perspectives.
Maersk firmly believe in patient dialogue within the political system to address the root causes of major global conflicts. They also fully respect the democratic right to peacefully protest and the important role the civil society plays in democracy, and of course support a society where everyone can debate and disagree.
That said, it is a known and common tactic among some activist groups to attribute fabricated actions or viewpoints to an opponent or institutions and to use these misrepresentations to garner public attention and further support for their cause. This is what Maersk are seeing unfold in the specific activist campaign currently targeting Maersk. The campaign is spreading inaccurate allegations and has in some instances involved assumptions presented as documented facts and what looks like misleading information through twisting of publicly available data. Unfortunately, They have also experienced vandalism and illegal, aggressive demonstrations on our premises and against their employees. This will not change their position or business practice, guided by international standards.
Like so many others, Maersk hope for progress in the peace process. They are convinced that there are no shortcuts to meaningful political dialogue, and do share a common belief that a politically negotiated agreement is the only viable path forward, with the responsibility naturally resting in the hands of international institutions, nations and political leaders.
Maersk fully recognize their responsibility as a global logistics provider and that it is on them to always reinforce the internationally agreed responsible business practices – even more so when operating in areas of active conflict. They will continue to align their actions with the expectations outlined in these agreed principles and any applicable law and regulation.