Russia / Ukraine situation update

March 04, 2022 - Update 8 - Temporary Suspension of Russia Reefer Bookings

We at A.P. Moller – Maersk are closely following the ever-evolving situation of new sanctions against Russia and the regular adjustments that are being made to the list of restrictions.

Yesterday we communicated that until further notice we will suspend new bookings to/from Russia and that exempted from this booking suspension was foodstuffs, medical and humanitarian supplies. However, given the uncertainties with applications of sanctions, we are seeing significant delays in European hubs for Russia bound cargo.

As the stability of our operations and our customers’ cargo is critical, it is with great regret that we now also have to temporarily stop acceptance of all new reefer bookings (chilled and frozen) to/from St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad. The gateways in Novorossiysk and Far East Russia remain open at this present time.

To further cope with the congested network in European ports, we are temporarily holding the release of equipment for confirmed booking as well as stopping all stuffed containers destined to Russia at first load port or transshipment port.

It is key for Sealand that we protect our people, minimise supply chain disruption and do not add to the global congestion in ports and depots. We have announced different relief packages that customers impacted by the crisis can make use of. Among the options are free Change of Destination (COD) services and no cancellation fees on bookings to and from Ukraine and Russia. We have also extended the interim stop of the Detention and Demurrage clock for Ukraine imports and exports and Russia exports to March 11th. We would still like to highlight that for the cargo that is on its way to Russia and Ukraine that we are currently unable to deliver due to the various restrictions, we will not charge hub storage fees. With the evolving situation with ports in Europe, the Flex Hub Lite products is temporarily suspended for new requests for European hubs.

We strongly encourage all customers with cargo destined to or originating from Ukraine and Russia to discuss these possibilities with us in the interest of safeguarding your cargo. Please reach out to your local customer experience team for further details and how to apply for your business.

We will keep monitoring the situation and reviewing impacts from sanctions and export controls, with an ambition to stabilize operations as quickly as we can. Please also continue to visit our Sealand advisory web page for the latest updates.

March 02nd, 2022 - Update 7 - Russia Relief Packages for Impacted Customers

We at A.P. Moller – Maersk are closely following the ever-evolving situation with governments posing new sanctions against Russia and the regular adjustments that are being made to the list of restrictions. Our teams are working around the clock to find solutions that safeguard our people, operations and our customers’ supply chains.

As communicated yesterday, Sealand has now suspended bookings to/from both Russia and Ukraine until further notice. Exempted from the booking suspension to/from Russia is foodstuffs, medical and humanitarian supplies. We do, however, warn caution on still placing bookings for perishable cargo due to significant delays in key transshipment hubs that may damage the cargo.

Customs authorities in the EU and UK are now inspecting all units to/from Russia transiting their terminals/ports to identify sanctioned and restricted shipments (main focus is sanctioned parties and restricted or banned goods). This is a direct consequence of the sanctions, but there are also indirect impacts as all cargo is getting delayed and our already congested transshipment hubs are getting more pressured. This is a global impact, and not only limited to trade with Russia.

Our teams are in constant contact with the local customs and port authorities to speed up the release of goods not impacted by sanctions and export controls, giving priority to humanitarian items. However, we cannot give any guarantees as to when then units will be released and we do see significant risk to our customers’ perishable cargo with increased transit times, cargo detention and cost of transportation. As the integrity of our customer promise is of paramount importance to us, we feel obligated to inform you about these ripple effects. 

Relief Packages
For customers impacted by the temporary booking suspension to/from Russia, we would like to offer:

• Free Change of Destination services, subject to re-stowage and shifting costs*.
• No cancellation fee on active bookings to and from Russia*.
• Interim stop of the EXPORT Detention and Demurrage clock for containers at Russia until March 11th, 2022, where the D&D responsibility lies with Sealand*. Please also note that the interim stoppage has also been extended to March 11th for Ukraine cargo**. 
• Flex Hub Lite – access to up to 28 days free time in selected hub ports. This is a chargeable service that comes at a price of US $800*.

*subject to operational feasibility
** for relief packages connected to bookings to/from Ukraine, see update 2 on Sealandmaersk.com

 It is key for Sealand that we protect our people and minimise supply chain disruption and do not add to the global congestion in ports and depots. We strongly encourage all customers with cargo destined to or originating from Ukraine and Russia to discuss these possibilities with us in the interest of keeping operations as smooth as possible. Please reach out to your local customer experience team for further details and to apply for your business.

We will keep monitoring the situation and reviewing impacts from sanctions and export controls, with an ambition to stabilize operations as quickly as we can. Please do not hesitate to contact our Sealand Customer Experience teams to discuss options and solutions for your cargo. Please also continue to visit our Sealand advisory web page for the latest updates.

March 01st, 2022 - Update 6

At A.P. Moller – Maersk, we are deeply concerned by how the crisis keeps escalating in Ukraine. We are closely following the ever-evolving situation with governments posing new sanctions against Russia and the regular adjustments that are being made to the list of restrictions. With that in mind, we now see the clear need to establish new and revise existing processes of accepting and handling bookings.

We are also starting to see the effect on global supply chain flows such as delays and detention of cargo by customs authorities across various transshipment hubs – overall resulting in unpredictable operational impacts.

As the stability and safety of our operations is already being directly and indirectly impacted by sanctions, new Sealand bookings within ocean, air and intercontinental rail to and from Russia will be temporarily suspended, with the exception of foodstuffs, medical and humanitarian supplies (bar dual-use items).

This exception is to underline that our company is focusing on social responsibility and making the efforts to support society despite all the complications and uncertainties within the current supply chain to/from Russia.

The suspension will begin today and cover all Russian gateway ports. We will announce further details during today and the coming days as we progress with the planning.

Every decision we have made during this crisis has been with Sealand employee safety and customer supply chains in mind, and these will continue to be our top priorities in light of the newest developments. We will also continue to put plans in place so that all affected employees and their families get the support needed.

It is key for Sealand that we minimise supply chain disruption and do not add to the global congestion in ports and depots. For cargo already underway and bookings placed before this suspension was announced, we will do our utmost to deliver it to its intended destination. Consequently, we will still call Russia although we will not accept new bookings unless they belong in the exception categories mentioned above.

However, please expect significant delays as countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany are holding back vessels en route to Russia in search of restricted commodities, primarily dual-use items. The inspections of export and transshipment cargo bound for Russia are related to implementing procedures to comply with sanctions and export controls recently imposed by different jurisdictions.

Our teams are in constant contact with the local customs and port authorities to speed up the release of all goods not impacted by sanctions and export controls, giving priority to humanitarian items such as foods, medicines and hygiene and personal care. The delays are expected to have ripple effects across the regional ocean network, resulting in further delays and congestion.

As Sealand- A Maersk Company acts in full compliance with legal regulations and its policies, we cannot receive from or make payments to any sanctioned Russian banks, or any other sanctioned party.

Giving you the best ability to manage your supply chain is of the utmost importance to us and we are working to give you everything you need to run your global logistics in these circumstances. We will keep monitoring the situation and reviewing impacts from sanctions, with an ambition to stabilise operations as quickly as we can. If you are affected by the above sanctions and export controls, please do not hesitate to contact our Sealand Customer Experience teams to discuss options and solutions for your cargo. Please also continue to visit our Sealand advisory web page for the latest updates.

February 28th, 2022 - Update 5

In light of the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine, we at Sealand and our parent company A.P. Moller - Maersk are closely monitoring and preparing to comply with the ever-evolving sanctions and restrictions imposed against Russia while we safeguard our operations and our people in consideration of the constant developing situation. Our preparations include a possible suspension of Sealand bookings to and from Russia on ocean and inland.

We are at the same time keeping a close eye on developments and assessing the best options for our customers and their cargo. For cargo already on the water we will do our utmost to deliver it to its intended destination. We have a sharp focus on safeguarding reefer containers and keeping cold chain operations as stable as possible. We are doing everything possible to prevent risk to the above cargo and in turn risk to the end-users in need of these commodities...
It’s also worth noting that air space is also gradually being restricted and our air services will be impacted.

The security and well-being of Sealand employees remains a top priority and we continue to put plans in place so that all affected employees and their families get the support needed. We have global coverage for any customer requests coming to the Ukraine Customer Experience teams. Normal requests will be handled as usual, but we ask for patience as global teams handle country-specific requests.

Giving you the best ability to manage your supply chain is of the utmost importance to us and we are working to give you everything you need to run your global logistics in these circumstances. We expect to be able to share more information with you later today and also please continue to visit Sealand advisory web page for the latest updates.

February 27th, 2022 - Update 4

As the situation in Ukraine continues, Sealand and our parent company A.P. Moller - Maersk, are keeping a close eye on developments and assessing the best options for our customers and their cargo. Giving you the best ability to manage your supply chain is of the utmost importance to us and we are working to give you everything you need to run your global logistics in these circumstances.

To prevent congestion in key ports, we are moving cargo to and from Ukraine to ports with less yard density that still possess the required reefer plugs to retain perishable commodities, and earlier this week we announced a series of relief packages. We can already see some customers making use of these packages, and we strongly encourage all customers with cargo destined to or originating from Ukraine to discuss these possibilities with us in the interest of keeping operations as smooth as possible. Among the options are free Change of Destination (COD) services and no cancellation fees on bookings to and from Ukraine – please reach out to your local customer experience team for further details and to apply for your business. Air and Rail offerings can also serve as means of alternative transport for cargo still at origin.

The security and well-being of Sealand employees remains our top priority. We are in frequent contact with our people and it gives us great comfort to know that they are safe and accounted for. We have global coverage for any customer requests coming to the Ukraine Customer Experience teams. Normal requests will be handled as usual, but we ask for patience as global teams handle country-specific requests. For our seafarers that are directly impacted by the situation, crew changes were stopped for those on the way to home to Ukraine due to security concerns and they have now been set up in Poland for the next few days as we track the situation.

We are also continuing to monitor developments in nearby waters, understanding that the situation could escalate and have a further impact on our people and services. Please continue to visit our Sealand advisory page for the latest updates, as throughout this process we aim to give as much clarity and notice as possible.

February 26th, 2022 - Update 3

As we move into the weekend, we’re not seeing many further updates to our operations and services concerning the situation in Ukraine. Our teams are working on applying the sanctions that have already been communicated and will continue to adapt to further sanctions that are expected in the coming days. If you are impacted by the sanctions against certain banks, please work with our finance team to establish temporary payment solutions.

As the security and well-being of Sealand employees remains our top priority, we are in frequent contact with our people and it gives us great comfort to know that they are safe and accounted for. We are also continuing to monitor developments in nearby waters, understanding that the situation could escalate and have a further impact on our people and services.

Earlier this week we communicated a full stop to bookings destined to or originating from Ukraine. Cargo currently en route to Ukraine is being discharged in Port Said and Korfez. As ports in Europe have endured pressure for quite some time already, we are very mindful of how we handle the global supply chain to manage congestion in key ports. As such, we are moving cargo where we can to nearby ports with less yard density which still possess the required reefer plugs to retain your perishable commodities. We therefore encourage customers to consider assessing Change of Destination options to smoothen your supply chain.

Yesterday we announced different relief packages that customers impacted by this booking stoppage could make use of. Understanding that flexibility is key to our customers at this period of time, we are offering:

• Free Change of Destination services, subject to re-stowage and shifting costs.
• No cancellation fee on active bookings to and from Ukraine.
• Interim stop of the Detention and Demurrage clock for containers in Ukraine until March 3rd, 2022, where the D&D responsibility lies with Sealand - A Maersk Company.
• Flex Hub Lite – access to up to 28 days free time in selected hub ports. This is a chargeable service that comes at a fixed cost of US $800.

 *subject to operational feasibility

If you’d like to make use of any of the above, please don’t hesitate to contact our local Sealand teams to learn how you can apply for your business. Also please discuss alternative means of transport, utilizing our Air and Rail offerings.

Please note that our services to/from Russia – including AIR and intercontinental rail (ICR) services, which do not pass Ukraine – currently remain available but are potentially subject to change as things develop.  Please continue to visit our Sealand advisory page for the latest updates.

Giving you the best ability to manage your supply chain is of the utmost priority to us and we are working to give you the tools and information you need to do so. Throughout this process we aim to give as much clarity and notice as possible, and our local Customer Service teams are here to answer your questions.

February 25th, 2022 - Update 2

Due to the current situation in Ukraine that has seen Sealand stop accepting bookings to and from the country until further notice, our teams have been working around the clock to find solutions that suit our valued customers and their cargo. Your supply chain is of the utmost importance to us and we are doing all we can to keep things moving despite the circumstances.

We regret the impact this may have on your business and would like to extend our assistance to those impacted by this stoppage. Understanding that flexibility is key to our customers at this period of time, we would like to offer the following relief packages:

• Free Change of Destination services, subject to re-stowage and shifting costs.
• No cancellation fee on active bookings to and from Ukraine.
• Interim stop of the Detention and Demurrage clock for containers in Ukraine until March 3rd, 2022, where the D&D responsibility lies with Sealand.
• Flex Hub Lite – access to up to 28 days free time in selected hub ports. This is a chargeable service that comes at a fixed cost of US $800.

 *subject to operational feasibility

By offering the above mentioned, our aim is to give you sufficient room to assess the different options most fitting for your business, and maneuver some of the current pressure points caused by the Ukraine situation, all to lessen the impact to your supply chain, which is of the utmost importance to us. 

Please note that our services to/from Russia – including AIR and intercontinental rail (ICR) services, which do not pass Ukraine – currently remain available but are potentially subject to change as things develop.  Please continue to visit our Sealand advisory page for the latest updates.

Our teams are here to serve you, so please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or would like to discuss alternative means to transport your cargo.

February 24th, 2022 - Update 1

In light of Russia’s latest moves on Ukraine that saw conflict break out overnight, we would like to give our valued customers an update on the situation and what it means for Sealand across the region.

Firstly, the safety and wellbeing of our employees is of paramount importance to Sealand and we have plans and policies in place to provide them with the necessary support. As of February 24th , all Sealand employees have been instructed to work from home away from any conflict areas and we are pleased to report that they remain safe and well. We have also implemented a business continuity strategy so that we can continue to serve our customers’ supply chain needs as the situation allows.

The current circumstances mean that we have decided not to call any ports in Ukraine until further notice and will stop the acceptance of orders to and from Ukraine until further notice. Services in Russia, meanwhile, currently remain available but are potentially subject to change as events unfold.

Cargo currently en route is being planned for discharge in Port Said and Korfez; if this affects you then please expect a customer experience representative to get in touch shortly if they haven’t done so already.

Sealand will be closely following how events unfold to gain a better insight into the situation, with teams across the company working with the intense focus of keeping global logistics moving. We will continue to adapt to the situation in order to deliver your cargo safely.

It is key for us that we give you the best ability to manage your supply chain and we are working to provide the information you need to do so. Throughout this process, we aim to give as much clarity and notice as possible, so please continue to visit the Sealand advisory web page where the latest situational updates will be added daily. As a Sealand customer you can also access our Logistics Hub to make use of our interactive map functionality and AI-powered analysis to predict more accurate estimated times of arrival (ETA).

Our teams are here to serve you, so please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or would like to discuss alternative means to transport your cargo.