A.P. Moller – Maersk’s logistics operations and services continue to be impacted by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria, which hit the region on Monday 6 February 2023 and provoked a number of aftershocks.
The Port of Iskenderun remains closed until further notice, as teams look to repair the significant damage caused by the disaster and subsequent fire. We are currently unable to say exactly how long operations will be stopped at the port, but we will keep customers informed of the latest developments as soon as possible.
At this time, we are not accepting any new bookings to and from Iskenderun. Our teams are hard at work developing contingency plans involving nearby hubs and additional feeder vessels, with the aim of minimising the overall impact on customers and their supply chains.
If you already have a booking in place or on the water, your Maersk representative will be in touch to discuss relief packages that we’ve put into action and further options for your cargo. The full terms of our measures to ease pressure on your logistics operations are outlined below:
Free Change of Destination (COD)
No COD service fee for containers on the water destined for the Port of Iskenderun or Port Mersin, Turkey, or containers gated-in full at the first loading port bound for Iskenderun or Mersin.
COD is subject to the expense of re-stowage and extra shifting cost, plus the ocean freight difference of the new destination unless initiated by the carrier.
Acceptance of COD requests are subject to capacity at the new destination and operational feasibility.
Booking amendments/cancellations
No amendment / cancellation fees on active bookings to and from Iskenderun or Mersin on SPOT.
We shall waive penalty fees for shipments under Partnership Contract Product (block space, flexible), exported from Iskenderun or Mersin.
Demurrage and Detention (D&D)
Interim stop of the Import Combined D&D* and Export Detention* and Demurrage* clock for containers in Iskenderun from February 6th, 2023 until February 20th, 2023, where the D&D responsibility lies with Maersk.
Rest assured, during these challenging circumstances, we will do everything in our power and control to find solutions for our customers’ supply chains to keep them moving as efficiently as possible. We thank you for your patience, trust and understanding throughout.
Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We have set up a dedicated emergency hotline for customers on (+90) 0 216 666 51 48. Please also continue to visit our advisory page for the latest updates.
*Export Demurrage: Free time period and charges for utilisation of equipment inside of terminals or depots (invoiced under Demurrage). Demurrage starts with gate-in full date (included) and ends with load on board date (included). Click here to find out more about export D&D calculation in Turkey.
*Export Detention: Free time period and charges for utilisation of equipment outside of terminals or depots (invoiced under Detention). Detention starts with empty pick-up date (included) and ends with gate-in full date (included). Click here to find out more about export D&D calculation in Turkey.
*Import Combined Demurrage & Detention: Free time period and charges for utilisation of equipment inside and outside of terminals or depots (invoiced under Detention). Click here to find out more about import combined D&D calculation in Turkey.
February 7th 2023 – Update 2
As a result of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria on Monday 6 February 2023, the Port of Iskenderun obtained significant damage and a subsequent fire broke out amongst containers at the terminal in the evening.
A.P. Moller – Maersk teams have been working to assess the situation and potential loss of cargo, but at this time the fire is yet to be controlled fully by local authorities on the ground.
It’s not yet known how long recovery efforts will take and when the port can undergo a full inspection of the damage, but we will keep you informed as soon as we hear the latest developments.
Rest assured we are doing all in our power and control, including working closely with the terminal, to accelerate a resolution to the situation. Maersk is committed to supporting your logistics operations and we will outline all information and next steps as a result of the fire in due course.
If you have any questions in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We have set up a dedicated emergency hotline for customers on (+90) 0 216 666 51 48.
February 6th 2023 – Update 1
In light of the earthquake that sadly hit Turkey and Syria on the morning of Monday 6 February 2023, A.P. Moller – Maersk would like to inform customers of the subsequent impact on our operations and services.
Such was the magnitude of the earthquake that there has been significant damage to logistics and transport infrastructure around the Pazarcik, Kahramanmaras, epicentre, including at the Port of Iskenderun.
The port has unfortunately been subject to severe structural damage, leading to a complete stop of all operations until further notice. Roads have also been heavily affected, and at this time vendors are not moving any trucks in and around the area.
Given the situation at Iskenderun, we will need to perform a change of destination for all bookings bound for the port or already on the water. We are currently planning to divert containers to nearby hubs within operational feasibility or hold at transhipment ports – including Port of Mersin and Port Said. If your cargo is impacted by our contingency measures, we will reach out to you directly to discuss options as soon as possible.
All booking cancellations, amendments and changes of destination will be free of charge* for Iskenderun and Mersin bookings throughout the month of February.
It is not yet clear when the Port of Iskenderun will see a return to normal operations, but we will keep you informed as soon as we know more and continue to update our relief packages in line with customer needs – full details and terms will be communicated when finalised.
We thank you for your patience and understanding. Rest assured we will do everything we can to minimise the impact on our customers and their supply chains.
Maersk would also like to extend its deepest sympathies to those affected by the disaster. Our thoughts are with you during this very difficult time.
Source : Maersk
