Maersk suspends new east and westbound rail bookings between Asia and Europe until further notice, as well as air bookings to and from Russia and Ukraine; shipping line also limits Belarus bookings to foodstuff, medicines and humanitarian supplies

March 4, 2022 (press release) –

March 04th, 2022 - Update 10

As the crisis in Ukraine continues and governments impose new sanctions on Russia and its allies, A.P. Moller – Maersk is keeping a close eye on developments and making necessary adjustments in line with the latest restrictions.

After careful consideration, we now see the clear need to establish new and revise existing processes of accepting and handling bookings for Belarus. We already have strict controls in and out of Belarus in connection with existing sanctions, but we must now ensure our processes comply with the latest sanctions and import controls with regard to the crisis in Ukraine.

For Belarus, going forward, only bookings for foodstuff, medicines and humanitarian supplies (except dual use) will be accepted after extensive screening. This exemption is to underline that Maersk is focusing on social responsibility and making the efforts to support society despite the complications and uncertainties within the current supply chain.

In addition, as Maersk acts in full compliance with legal regulations and its policies, we cannot engage with, receive from or make payments to any sanctioned banks, or any other sanctioned party – including Belarusian and Russian parties.

Intercontinental Rail (ICR) and Air

Off the back of newly imposed sanctions, Maersk has now temporarily suspended new intercontinental rail bookings without exception both east and westbound between Asia and Europe until further notice.

If you have cargo currently in transit or have completed a booking before this suspension was announced, we will do our utmost to get it delivered to its intended destination across the normal routes.

Maersk has also suspended all new air bookings to and from Russia and Ukraine until further notice. We do see a potential risk to the cost of air transportation, as airspace gets restricted and flights are further subject to rising fuel and insurance costs.

To give you as much visibility on the situation as possible through the weekend, we have made available an FAQ below that summarises what we have communicated so far and includes the most frequent questions our customers are asking us.

We will keep monitoring the situation and reviewing impacts from sanctions, with an ambition to stabilise operations as quickly as we can. Please do not hesitate to contact our Maersk Customer Experience teams to discuss options and solutions for your cargo.

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