French shipping company suspends stopover at ports in Haitian capital

The French shipping company, CMA CGM on Saturday announced that given the deterioration of security in Haiti, it has suspended its stopover.

The company said it will instead move to the Port Lafiteau terminal to the north of here.

“CMA CGM will therefore accept reservations for the Lafiteau terminal for the moment, which remains an effective alternative for your shipments to and from Haiti. Located 20 km from Port au Prince, Port Lafiteau remains served by our weekly CAGEMA 2 service operated with vessels belonging to CMA CGM,” the company said, adding that for the northern part of Haiti, CMA CGM will continue to make a stopover in Cap-Haïtien as usual.

Earlier this week Royal Caribbean Cruise announced the suspension of cruise ship ports-of-call in Labadee, on the northern coast of Haiti, as violence escalates in the country.

“The safety and security of our guests, crew, and communities we visit are our top priority. Our global security and intel team is closely monitoring the evolving situation in Haiti, and in an abundance of caution, we are temporarily making adjustments to sailings visiting Labadee,” Royal Caribbean said in a statement.

“We will continue to monitor and reassess calls as needed, and will communicate updates with guests directly,” said Royal Caribbean.

The suspension of stops at some ports is taking place as Haiti is struggling to resolve a long-running political and humanitarian crisis.

Heavily armed gangs have taken over much of the capital, and rights groups have reported widespread killings, kidnappings and sexual violence.

Hundreds of thousands of people have also been displaced.