Maersk Halts Berbera Cargo Bookings Amid Red Sea Tensions and Somaliland Diplomatic Row - News and Statistics

Apr 30, 2026

Maersk has halted new cargo bookings to and from the Port of Berbera in Somaliland, placing additional pressure on trade routes in the Horn of Africa, as reported by The East African. The suspension is expected to disrupt regional cargo flows, particularly domestic shipments, and further strain already fragile supply chains.

The Danish shipping company did not provide an official explanation for the move, but the decision comes amidst increasing political tensions in the Red Sea. Yemen’s Houthi group recently issued a warning about what it termed expanding Israeli influence in the Horn of Africa following diplomatic ties with Somaliland. The Houthis stated that such developments threaten Somalia’s sovereignty and the stability of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, with possible consequences for global trade.

The action disrupts a rapidly growing inland corridor that links coastal ports to Ethiopia’s import demand. Maersk advised its customers to seek alternative land-based solutions. The company acknowledged that clients depend on Berbera for local cargo and for access to neighboring markets like Ethiopia. Cargo already in transit will be delivered as planned.

Berbera has become a strategic route, with Ethiopia increasing its usage. In December 2025, a senior Ethiopian delegation visited the port and its free trade zone to strengthen economic ties and regional connectivity. The rise of Berbera reflects Ethiopia’s push to diversify its access beyond Djibouti, which still handles 95 percent of its imports. The corridor has supported inflows of fuel, consumer goods, and construction materials, while also enabling livestock exports.

Maersk stated that its broader East African network remains operational, with services continuing through Djibouti, Mogadishu, and Mombasa. Other carriers, including MSC and CMA CGM, could partially absorb the displaced cargo. The company noted that its ongoing services to those ports are available to support logistics needs and ensure regional connectivity.

The suspension is likely to raise freight costs and extend transit times, shifting volumes back to Djibouti and Mombasa, both of which are already under pressure. Somaliland may experience reduced activity at Berbera, slowing its ambition to become a regional logistics hub. Structural constraints persist, including congestion at Djibouti, while inland clearance and transport bottlenecks limit the rapid scaling of alternative routes.

1. INTRODUCTION

Making Data-Driven Decisions to Grow Your Business

REPORT DESCRIPTION
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND THE AI PLATFORM
DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
GLOSSARY AND SPECIFIC TERMS

2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

A Quick Overview of Market Performance

KEY FINDINGS
MARKET TRENDS This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional EditionPRO

3. MARKET OVERVIEW

Understanding the Current State of The Market and its Prospects

MARKET SIZE: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
CONSUMPTION BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
MARKET FORECAST TO 2035

4. MOST PROMISING PRODUCTS FOR DIVERSIFICATION

Finding New Products to Diversify Your Business

TOP PRODUCTS TO DIVERSIFY YOUR BUSINESS
BEST-SELLING PRODUCTS
MOST CONSUMED PRODUCTS
MOST TRADED PRODUCTS
MOST PROFITABLE PRODUCTS FOR EXPORT

5. MOST PROMISING SUPPLYING COUNTRIES

Choosing the Best Countries to Establish Your Sustainable Supply Chain

TOP COUNTRIES TO SOURCE YOUR PRODUCT
TOP PRODUCING COUNTRIES
TOP EXPORTING COUNTRIES
LOW-COST EXPORTING COUNTRIES

6. MOST PROMISING OVERSEAS MARKETS

Choosing the Best Countries to Boost Your Export

TOP OVERSEAS MARKETS FOR EXPORTING YOUR PRODUCT
TOP CONSUMING MARKETS
UNSATURATED MARKETS
TOP IMPORTING MARKETS
MOST PROFITABLE MARKETS

7. PRODUCTION

The Latest Trends and Insights into The Industry

PRODUCTION VOLUME AND VALUE: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
PRODUCTION BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)

8. IMPORTS

The Largest Import Supplying Countries

IMPORTS: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
IMPORTS BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
IMPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)

9. EXPORTS

The Largest Destinations for Exports

EXPORTS: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
EXPORTS BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
EXPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)

10. PROFILES OF MAJOR PRODUCERS

The Largest Producers on The Market and Their Profiles

11. COUNTRY PROFILES

The Largest Markets And Their Profiles

This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition
PRO

11.1

United States