The Danish logistics giant stated it has strengthened its screening procedures and now aligns them with the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) database, which lists companies involved in activities supporting the settlements. These settlements are considered illegal under international law.
“Following a recent review of transports related to the West Bank, we further strengthened our screening procedures… including aligning our screening process with the OHCHR database,” Maersk said in a statement published on its website in June.
The move reportedly follows months of campaigning by organisations raising concerns about Maersk’s shipping activities, including links to firms operating in the settlements and the transport of components used in Israel’s F-35 fighter jet programme.
Maersk has stated it does not ship weapons or ammunition to active conflict zones but confirmed that its U.S. subsidiary, Maersk Line Limited, is part of the global F-35 supply chain.
The company said it carries out due diligence in conflict-affected regions and adapts its operations as needed. It did not specify which companies would be affected by the policy change.
This latest development comes amid wider scrutiny of military-related shipments to Israel. Spain banned certain Maersk vessels from its ports in 2024, and recent reports suggest that the port of Rotterdam remains involved in the F-35 supply chain despite a Dutch court ruling against related exports.
At the end of last week, Maersk also suspended vessel calls to the Port of Haifa, citing escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. The company described the measure as precautionary, aimed at protecting crew, cargo, and infrastructure. Alternative arrangements for affected customers are being implemented, while calls to the port of Ashdod continue and inland services remain operational.
