President of the Chamber of Shipping: Israeli Ports Operating Normally

Dr. Yoram Sebba, President of the Chamber of Shipping of Israel, issued a message of reassurance today (Sunday) to the economy and the shipping community, clarifying that Israeli ports are maintaining full operational continuity even during the current conflict.

"Israeli ports are operating as usual even in these challenging times. No ship has left the country," stated Dr. Sebba. According to him, vessel movements observed near the coast do not indicate a cessation of activity: "Some ships in the queue moved a few miles further out to sea for precautionary reasons only, but the maritime supply chain continues uninterrupted, as the vessels currently at the berths have not moved at all."

Dr. Sebba's remarks follow erroneous reports published over the past 24 hours in financial media outlets, claiming that foreign cargo ships abandoned Israeli ports at the start of the military campaign. The Chamber's clarification is based on official data presented this morning by leading industry professionals.

The Director of the Israeli Shipping and Ports Authority (SPA), Captain Zadok Radker, issued an official letter to the international community clarifying that all Israeli ports are open and safe. Radker noted that the ports are protected by active defense systems (such as the "Iron Dome") and are covered by a special government war-risk insurance, ensuring the continued arrival of foreign fleets.

Simultaneously, MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company), the world's largest shipping line, officially announced its ongoing commitment to serving Israeli ports continuously, even during challenging periods and emergencies, as it has done over the past two and a half years.

In addition to these updates, Dr. Sebba noted that as part of the emergency preparations, the Director of the SPA has instructed that car discharging at the ports will now be conducted via direct delivery only (including vehicles imported in containers). This measure is designed to accelerate cargo clearance and free up vital operational space on the wharves. "This is a clear expression of the ongoing confidence in Israel and the efficient functioning of the Ministry of Transport and the SPA during these challenging days," Sebba concluded.