Maersk Denies Shipping Weapons to Israel During Gaza War

Global shipping company Maersk has firmly denied allegations that it transported arms or ammunition to Israel during the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Addressing shareholders at its annual general meeting on Tuesday, Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc clarified the company’s policy, stating, "Maersk has a strict policy of not shipping weapons or ammunitions into any active conflict zone."

The clarification came in response to a proposal by Danish shareholder group Kritiske Aktionærer, which called on Maersk to ban arms shipments to Israel. A separate proposal by activist group Eko demanded greater transparency regarding Maersk’s human rights processes, particularly focusing on cargoes of military nature.

Both proposals were ultimately rejected by shareholders, with Maersk Holding retaining majority control over the company’s votes.

Clerc acknowledged that Maersk does handle military-related cargo, including shipments for U.S. government agencies via its subsidiary, Maersk Line, Limited (MLL). However, he emphasized that all operations are fully compliant with applicable laws and regulations, adhering to United Nations guiding principles on business and human rights, as well as OECD guidelines on responsible business conduct.

"When we draw a line between what we accept to transport and what we don't, it's done after a very careful assessment," Clerc said, underscoring the company’s commitment to legality and ethical responsibility.

Reports from Danish media outlets Danwatch and Ekstra Bladet had earlier claimed that Maersk shipped armored combat vehicles and other military hardware to Israel, prompting heightened scrutiny.

Activists and some UN officials have called for sanctions and an arms embargo on Israel, alleging that its military campaign in Gaza constitutes genocide. Israel has categorically rejected these accusations, asserting its defensive actions are in response to the October 7, 2023, massacre carried out by Hamas terrorists, which resulted in the murder of 1,200 civilians and the abduction of 253 hostages.

Denmark, where Maersk is headquartered, currently has no arms embargo or restrictions on the shipment of weapons to Israel.

Maersk reiterated that it operates fully within the legal frameworks set by governments and international bodies, while acknowledging that its policies may not align with every stakeholder's preferences.

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