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Maersk’s Blue Nile Express service is a vital route connecting various ports and its suspension would disrupt trade between Eastern Africa and the rest of the world.
Maersk, the Danish shipping giant, announced yesterday (Friday) the temporary suspension of bookings to Djibouti from several key regions, including Asia, the Middle East, Oceania, East Africa, and South Africa. Maersk’s Blue Nile Express service is a vital route connecting various ports and its suspension would disrupt trade between Eastern Africa and the rest of the world.
Maersk, in a statement issued, highlighted the ongoing volatility in and around the Red Sea/Gulf of Aden and said that all available intelligence signals a significantly high-security risk. Tyge suspension of booking is a precautionary measure to omit Djibouti, as well as Jeddah and King Abdullah Port in Saudi Arabia, from its Blue Nile Express service with immediate effect.
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The Blue Nile Express links ports in the United Arab Emirates, Oman, India, Djibouti, and Saudi Arabia. Despite the suspension of Djibouti from its service, Maersk assured stakeholders that it does not anticipate any impact on carrying capacity. This move by Maersk reflects the challenges posed by the complex geopolitical and security landscape in the region. Shipping companies often adjust their routes and operations based on security assessments to ensure the safety of their vessels, cargo, and crew.
