Maersk Severes Ties With Firms Linked to Israeli Settlements After Global Pressure

Danish shipping conglomerate Maersk announced it will sever business ties with companies linked to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, following growing pressure from international activists accusing the firm of abetting human rights violations.

The decision comes in response to a sustained campaign led by the Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM), which scrutinized Maersk's involvement in shipments related to United States foreign military sales and its alleged connections to firms operating in settlements deemed illegal under international law.

In a statement posted on its website in June 2025, Maersk confirmed it had revised its internal protocols.

“Following a recent review of transports related to the West Bank, we further strengthened our screening procedures in relation to Israeli settlements, including aligning our screening process with the OHCHR database of enterprises involved in activities in the settlements,” the company said.

Activists Demand Full Disengagement

Maersk did not specify which companies were affected by its policy shift or how extensive the previous relationships were. But activists say the move is a start, though far from enough.

“This sends a clear message to the global shipping industry: compliance with international law and basic human rights is not optional,” said Aisha Nizar, a spokesperson for PYM. “Doing business with Israel’s illegal settlements is no longer viable, and the world is watching to see who follows next.”

Still, Nizar maintained that Maersk continues to facilitate military support for Israel. She accused the company of helping transport components for the Israeli military's F-35 fighter jet program — a weapon system criticized for its use in operations against Palestinian civilians.

“Maersk continues to profit from the genocide of our people – regularly shipping F-35 components used to bomb and massacre Palestinians,” she said. “We will continue to build pressure and mobilize people power until Maersk cuts all ties to genocide and ends the transport of weapons and weapons components to Israel.”

PYM’s campaign highlighted Maersk’s use of the port of Rotterdam, calling it a key node in what it described as a “supply chain of death.” 

Earlier this month, the group released findings that showed, despite a Dutch court’s ruling against the export of F-35 parts to Israel, Rotterdam remained an active route in the fighter jet supply line.

Maersk responded by reiterating its stated policy of not shipping weapons or ammunition to active conflict zones. In a statement to the media, the company said it applies “enhanced due diligence in regions affected by conflict,” including Israel and Gaza, and regularly updates its practices to reflect the shifting geopolitical climate.