Integrated Shipping Services (ISS), acting as Maersk's agent in Somaliland, has clarified that the temporary suspension of cargo booking services at Berbera Port stems from logistical constraints rather than security concerns, addressing speculation about the strategic facility's operational status.
In a clarification letter addressed to the Somaliland Ports Authority (SPA), ISS stated the suspension was > "not related to any operational, security, or regulatory concerns in Berbera."
The company emphasized that > "Berbera remains a strategically important gateway within the regional trade ecosystem, and a valued part of our network," according to a statement signed by ISS Managing Director Youssouf A. Elmi.
The clarification follows Maersk's April 20 advisory announcing the temporary suspension of new bookings to and from Berbera Port due to scheduling and network connectivity disruptions. The Danish shipping giant had indicated that cargo already in transit would continue to its final destination as planned, while customers could use alternative regional gateways including Djibouti, Mogadishu and Mombasa during the suspension period.
According to ISS, the disruption specifically affected the feeder service supporting the final shipping leg into Berbera, with current market conditions making it impossible to secure a sustainable alternative feeder solution.
Advertisement
"As communicated in our customer advisory, the suspension is driven by network and feeder connectivity constraints," ISS stated.
The company detailed that limited feeder capacity, shortages in available vessel tonnage and increased operating costs had forced the temporary suspension. > "In the absence of sustainable feeder capacity and with limited available tonnage and increased operating costs, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily suspend acceptance in order to maintain service reliability and transparency with our customers," the statement said.
ISS indicated it was exploring alternative solutions to maintain cargo flow during the suspension period. > "To support continuity, alternative routing options have been made available, and we are actively working on practical solutions, including ad hoc sailings, to clear existing cargo into Berbera," the company stated.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to Berbera Port and said it would continue assessing market conditions with the aim of reinstating services once conditions improve.
Berbera Port, developed through a partnership with DP World, serves Somaliland, Ethiopia and wider regional trade corridors along the Gulf of Aden. The facility's strategic location provides an important alternative gateway for Ethiopian trade, reducing dependence on Djibouti as the landlocked nation's primary maritime access point.
