Maersk explains departure from Iraq

Maersk explains departure from Iraq    Maersk Sealand, the Danish ocean carrier, said a demonstration organized by local religious groups in southern Iraq March 2 at the Port of Khor Az Zubayr escalated last week to the point that 'threats of violence were made to both local and expatriate Maersk employees, prompting a decision by Maersk Iraq Ltd. to withdraw staff and equipment from the port.'
   That same day, 'the Iraqi Ports Authority reportedly took control of the port,' Maersk said in a statement.
   Maersk Sealand served Khor Az Zubayr on a weekly basis with its own feeder vessel, but has suspended that service pending a review of future port security. At the present time, the carrier is not accepting cargo for delivery to Iraq. Customers that already have cargo en route to Iraq will be contacted directly with an update regarding their goods. Meantime, Maersk Sealand is diverting vessels to Kuwait.
   None of Maersk Sealand's ships suffered damage, and none of the carrier's expatriate employees were injured. The company had a temporary agreement with the Port of Khor Az Zubayr that was to expire March 31.