A.P. Moller-Maersk will shut down its Syria operations in December due to limited activities in the face of international sanctions in the country.

"A.P. Moller-Maersk would like to inform you that after careful consideration and a thorough evaluation of available options, we have decided to formally wind down our operations in Syria effective December 1, 2023," the shipping line said in a statement.

It added that this means Maersk will no longer offer shipments to or from any destinations in Syria.

Maersk noted that bookings to/from Syria will no longer be accepted from December 1 and Maersk vessels will no longer call Syrian ports.

The final Maersk vessel to call Syria will be Maersk Narmada (346E/347W) on  November 28.

"Honouring our existing commitments, we will ensure that all bookings to/from Syria with containers already assigned will be facilitated. All customers impacted by this announcement will be contacted individually to discuss delivery details," Maersk added.

The Danish shipping line pointed to ongoing sanctions on Syria that make its operations challenging.

"With Syria being a highly sanctioned country, business activity has already been very restricted, and Maersk has therefore conducted limited operations in Syria in full compliance with international sanctions," it said.

"This has recently become even more challenging logistically, and we have therefore made the decision to close our operations down completely."