Tensions over Maersk's involvement in arranging shipments of military equipment to and from Israel once again marred the company's general meeting of shareholders.

The Italian trade union CGIL has also become involved in the issue, after the NGO BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions for the rights of the Palestinian people) complained about the movement through Italian ports (particularly Gioia Tauro and Cagliari) of containers transported by MSC ships. These containers were suspected of containing military equipment from India and were bound for Israel's largest munitions factory, IMI Systems

A request to the authorities 

The Italian branch of the BDS network has made a request to the authorities to verify the presence of dual-use steel containers on the MSC Vega ship  ( sailing under the flag of Liberia ) docked in the port of Cagliari. The CGIL of Sardinia is in support of this request. Through our contacts with European and international trade unions, we have learned that the ship has been in the port for two days and may contain materials used to produce artillery pieces deployed by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip," said Fausto Durante, the general secretary of the CGIL of Sardinia.

Calling for the ship's departure to be prevented 

The CGIL (Italian General Confederation of Labour) is calling for the ship's departure to be prevented if the allegations are confirmed. 'We cannot accept that sensitive materials, which could be used in areas of ongoing armed conflict in violation of international law, are being shipped from the port of Cagliari. We are appealing to the Sardinian Sea Authority, the Customs Office, the Cagliari Port Authority and all other relevant bodies to carry out all necessary checks before arranging the ship's departure.'

A serious violation of Law 185 of 1995

Sinistra Italiana Sardegna (Avs) has stated that, if confirmed, this would constitute a serious violation of Law 185 of 1995, which prohibits the export and transit of military materials to countries in a state of conflict or to countries whose governments are responsible for serious violations of international human rights conventions, as certified by the relevant United Nations bodies. 

Cargo inspection procedures

Massimo Zedda (foto L'Unione Sarda)

'As soon as I received news that the MSC Vega was in port, possibly carrying suspected war material to Israel and the Gaza Strip in violation of Law No. 185 of 1990, I contacted the relevant authorities. The various institutional representatives were already aware of the ship's arrival and had arranged checks. Cargo inspection procedures have been underway since this morning, verifying the contents of the containers and the materials being transported, as previously occurred in the port of Gioia Tauro,' said Cagliari Mayor Massimo Zedda, following complaints from unions and political movements. 

Tensions over Maersk's involvement in arranging shipments of military equipment

Meanwhile, tensions over Maersk's involvement in arranging shipments of military equipment to and from Israel once again marred the company's general meeting of shareholders. Maen Hammad, an activist with the human rights group Ekø, told Seatrade Maritime News: 'Maersk is considered an industry leader; it should focus on human rights. Maersk does not ship military equipment to Russia, which seems like a double standard to me." He added that investors, UN experts and the world's highest court had all called on companies, including Maersk, to stop facilitating Israel's abuses, yet the company continued to expose shareholders to risks and profit from Israel's occupation and the devastation in Gaza.

Responsible conduct of business is a commitment of the company. It adheres to all relevant international standards and is fully compliant with all applicable laws. This commitment is reflected in our sustainability statement, which complies with the CSRD's transparency requirements. These require a very high level of disclosure and the statement is audited before publication," said CEO Vincent Clerc

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Source : Shipping Italy

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