Amman, March 4 (Petra) – Danish shipping giant Maersk, one of the world’s largest maritime transport firms, announced the suspension of cargo bookings to and from several Arabian Gulf destinations "until further notice," following its assessment of developments on the fifth day of the war in the Middle East.

In a statement, the company said it had suspended acceptance of bookings to and from the United Arab Emirates, Oman (all ports except Salalah), Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia (Dammam and Jubail only), effective immediately.

The company noted that essential shipments, including food, medicines and other basic commodities, would be exempt from the suspension.

Maersk confirmed that the measure does not apply to Lebanon or Jordan.

//Petra// AK