Turkey Bars Israeli-Linked Ships; ZIM Confirms Diversions

ZIM said Monday that Turkish authorities have barred vessels with Israeli ties from entering Turkey’s ports, marking a fresh escalation in Ankara’s sanctions on Israel. The Haifa-based carrier—ninth largest in containers—said ships owned, managed, or operated by entities connected to Israel will not be allowed to berth, and the restrictions also apply to cargo bound for, or originating in, Israel.

ZIM noted one of its vessels was denied entry to Istanbul and rerouted to Piraeus, leaving Turkey-destined containers stranded. The new measures likewise forbid Turkish-flagged ships from calling at Israeli ports and ban arrivals carrying military cargo destined for Israel from Turkish harbors.

Ankara’s latest step builds on a May 2024 trade halt, when it suspended roughly $7 billion in bilateral commerce and blocked dozens of product categories in response to the war in Gaza. Other carriers are now seeking clarification from Turkish officials on whether their services will be affected.