Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Maersk-Detroit

On April 20, 2025, a significant wave of protests swept through the streets of Tangier and Casablanca, where thousands of Moroccans rallied against the impending docking of the 'Maersk Detroit'. Protesters, believing the vessel to be transporting US fighter jet components to Israel, assembled in large numbers, with more than 1,000 individuals demonstrating in Tangier alone. The protest kicked off around 4:30 p.m. local time near the Iberia Palace in the city center. Demonstrators carried vivid signage and passionately chanted phrases such as 'The people want the ship banned' and 'No genocidal weapons in Moroccan waters,' demanding that authorities prevent the ship’s entry into Moroccan ports. Activists alleged that the nefarious cargo included crucial parts for F-35 fighter jets, purportedly shipped from the US Air Force Plant 4 located in Fort Worth, making its way to Haifa, Israel, between April 5 and May 1. The journey was set to include a transfer at the Tangier Med port to another Maersk vessel, the 'Maersk Nexoe', before reaching its final destination. The 'Maersk Detroit' arrived at Tangier Med Port on April 21, and concurrent protests erupted in Algeciras, Spain, across the Strait of Gibraltar. Organized by the group Cádiz for Palestine, activists there denounced Maersk’s alleged involvement with weapon shipments and urged Spanish authorities to halt any suspected arms deliveries to Israel at various ports, including Algeciras, Valencia, and Barcelona. In reaction to the allegations, Maersk has categorically denied any involvement in transporting weapons or ammunition to Israel. The shipping giant confirmed that while it engages in contracts with the US government relating to military-related shipments under US-Israeli defense cooperation, this particular cargo was not intended for Israel. Instead, Maersk clarified that it was destined for other international partners involved in the F-35 program. Additionally, the CGT General Union of Dock Workers and Port Personnel of the Gulf of Fos in Morocco released a statement asserting that all containers aboard the Maersk Nexoe were thoroughly inspected, revealing no evidence of weapons or jet components.

In a significant escalation of maritime security concerns, A.P. Moller-Maersk has halted all shipping operations in the Red Sea after two of its container vessels faced missile threats during a convoy protected by the US Navy on January 24, 2024. The vessels, 'Maersk Detroit' and 'Maersk Chesapeake,' were forced to reverse course and head back to the Gulf of Aden following the alarming incident. According to reports, the 'Maersk Detroit' was targeted with three anti-ship ballistic missiles—one of which landed in the sea and the USS 'Gravely' successfully intercepted the other two. The vessels were transporting crucial cargo and humanitarian aid for the US government and had been assigned naval protection for their transit through the Bab El-Mandeb strait, a major shipping route. The subsidiary, Maersk Line Ltd., emphasized the importance of these US-flagged ships, heavily relied upon by the military. Crew members aboard both ships reported witnessing explosions in proximity to their vessels, underlining the serious nature of the threat they faced. Fortunately, there were no injuries or damage reported to the vessels or their cargo, owing to the timely intervention by the US Navy, which facilitated their safe return. In light of this incident, Maersk Line Ltd. has decided to suspend all transits through the Red Sea indefinitely, citing an increase in regional risks. The missile attacks occurred approximately 50 nautical miles (93 kilometers) south of Al Mukha, Yemen, with reports mentioning the use of a drone in the assault. The international shipping community is on high alert following this troubling event, as security in the region remains fragile.

In a noteworthy incident at the Port of Algeciras, two containers were dislodged from the 'Maersk Detroit' during cargo operations on February 10, 2016. The containers plunged into the water and struck a nearby bunker barge. Unfortunately, they were severely damaged upon impact. The vessel, which had docked at the port the day before, departed just hours later, continuing its journey toward Port Said. For detailed visuals and further coverage, please visit: http://felixstowedocker.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/two-containers-falling-into-sea-hitting.html.