Breaking News! Containers Hijacked! 260 Containers Under Control! Port Shutdown, Shipping Companies Announce Suspension of Bookings

According to a recent report by EFE, the largest port in Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, has once again become a target for armed bandits.These bandits openly looted dozens of containers in the port, ransacking all the goods inside and plunging the entire port into chaos.These bandits operated in neighborhoods controlled by armed gang leader Jimmy Sherizie.

Videos circulating on social media show hundreds of robbers brazenly opening shipping containers and looting various items, creating a shocking scene. Furthermore, according to Reuters, citing UNICEF...One of the 17 aid containers was looted, and another 260 containers containing aid supplies were taken over by armed groups.

UNICEF strongly condemned the looting, pointing out that the stolen containers contained essential supplies for children's survival, including resuscitation devices, early childhood education materials, and water supply equipment, which would undoubtedly exacerbate Haiti's already collapsing health system. Bruno Metz, UNICEF's representative in Haiti, called for an immediate halt to the looting of essential supplies for children and for ensuring the safety of humanitarian access points, otherwise the health crisis would worsen. He warned, "We are witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe, and time is running out to turn things around. If the violence does not stop and logistical channels are not reopened, the consequences will be unimaginable."

Israeli shipping giant ZIM issued an announcement.The company announced the immediate suspension of booking services in Port-au-Prince, pending further notice.In addition, considering employee safety, Zim's office in Haiti will be temporarily closed, and employees will work remotely to ensure business continuity when conditions permit.

Following Maersk's announcement of suspending booking services to and from Haiti, CMA CGM issued a notice on its website on the 15th, clearly stating that, given the continued deterioration of the security situation in Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, in order to ensure the safety of cargo and personnel,The company has decided to suspend its berthing services at the port.As an alternative, CMA CGM will only call at the Lafito terminal, 20 kilometers from Port-au-Prince, until further notice. (Situation deteriorates! Maersk and CMA CGM suspend bookings and port calls)

We would like to remind freight forwarders and cargo owners who have recently engaged in business related to Haiti to pay close attention to the latest developments, be aware of the risks to their goods and payments, and make necessary preparations.

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