Stop cooperation with 97 companies, shipping giant announced urgently

Maersk said it has strengthened screening procedures related to Israeli settlements, combining its own screening process with a database of businesses involved in settlement activities by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). This new screening process has forced it to stop working with some of the original customers in the region, but it is not clear how many companies are covered.

In a written reply, Maersk said that some goods that did not meet the criteria were found, and that strengthening screening procedures was to meet international standards, which was a complex task and requires continuous efforts to improve the process.

It is worth noting that although Maersk stopped cooperating with some companies in Israeli settlements, it continued to carry out so-called F-35 cooperation with Israel and other countries through its branch Maersk Shipping to transport parts or components used in the manufacturing and production of F-35 aircraft.

Previously, the Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM) has been protesting for months on Maersk's delivery of military equipment to Israeli troops and transport to and from Israeli settlements. On June 11, 200 protesters rushed into the Maersk Manhattan office and demanded that they stop transporting military equipment to Israel.

As an international agency responsible for promoting and protecting the human rights of all, OHCHR is constantly updating the list of companies involved in settlement-related activities, covering companies that provide services, equipment or conduct financial transactions to illegal settlements.

When the media asked whether Maersk's decision was caused by mass protests over the past year, Maersk only mentioned the announcement and refused to comment further.

In January, a report released by the Palestine Youth Movement (PYM) confirmed the widespread and long-term pressure Maersk faces.

The report describes the handling of cargoes listed on the bill of lading that included cargoes in the occupied West Bank (including East Jerusalem and the Syrian Golan Heights), such as shipping on behalf of Israel Aviation Industries (IAI) and G&T Industries, which PYM says are directly from illegal settlements.

Additionally, PYM claims Maersk ships goods to Ofertex Industries and Twitoplast companies, both listed on the OHCHR list, described as “directly and indirectly supporting and profiting from the construction and development of settlements.”

PYM notes that these companies are part of a larger network of companies within the settlements, covering textiles, manufacturing, military and agriculture, and Maersk provides them with transport convenience. However, the media cannot confirm that Maersk has explicitly terminated its cooperation with in the settlement agreement.

The decision to terminate the cooperation by Maersk was warmly welcomed by PYM, who believes it sent a clear message to other participants in the shipping industry.

PYM spokesman Aisha Nizar said Maersk's decision shows that cessation of occupation is not only possible but necessary, conveying to the global shipping industry that compliance with international law and basic human rights is not optional, and that doing business with illegal settlements in Israel is no longer sustainable, and the world is paying attention to who will follow suit.

From an industry perspective, Maersk's move may trigger a chain reaction.As a leading company in the shipping industry, Maersk's decision-making has a certain demonstration effect. Other shipping companies may be inspired to revisit their business and strengthen their review of shipments and partners.