Maersk Shareholders Reject Proposal to Halt Military Shipments to Israel

At the recent annual general meeting, shareholders of Maersk voted against a proposal to ban the company from transporting military supplies to Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. CEO Vincent Clerc stated that Maersk does not ship arms or ammunition to Israel, but does transport military-related cargo in accordance with legal guidelines.

The proposal was introduced by Kritiske Aktionærer, a group of Danish shareholders concerned about Maersk's involvement in arms shipments. Clerc emphasized that Maersk complies with all applicable laws and operates under United Nations principles on business and human rights. He reiterated that the company maintains a strict policy against shipping weapons into active conflict zones.

In a separate effort, the activist group Eko proposed enhanced transparency regarding Maersk's human rights policies, particularly concerning arms shipments. This proposal was also rejected by shareholders. Investigative reports from Danish media have indicated that Maersk has transported armored combat vehicles and military hardware to Israel, raising concerns about the company’s practices.

Denmark currently has no arms embargo against Israel, allowing such shipments to continue. This decision comes amid international calls for sanctions against Israel due to military actions in Gaza, which have resulted in significant civilian casualties. Maersk asserts that its operations adhere to legal standards and involve careful evaluation of all transported goods.