By Karen Robes Meeks
The A.P. Moller-Maersk Group, the world’s largest shipping liner company, announced that it was under cyber attack this week, forcing the shutdown of a number of IT systems across multiple sites worldwide, including its email systems.
The Denmark-based company was among several under sieged by Petya, a kind of ransomware that forces victims to pay a sum to regain system access, according to American Shipper.
As a result, Maersk suspended operations Tuesday at ports of New York/New Jersey, Rotterdam, Netherlands, and APM Terminals at Pier 400 in Los Angeles. APM Terminals, one of largest terminals in North America, remained closed as of Thursday, port officials confirmed.
One ship was able to leave the port early Tuesday, and no other ships were scheduled to depart later that day or Wednesday.
Maersk issued a statement, saying that “the issue remains contained and we continue to work towards technical recovery,” adding that business continuity plans are being implemented and prioritized.
. “We are collaborating with IT experts including national cyber-crime agencies and IT industry leaders, to reinstate services safely and without further disruption,” the company explained.
Maersk entities Maersk Oil, Maersk Drilling, Maersk Supply Services, Maersk Tankers, Maersk Training, Svitzer and MCI remain operationally unaffected.
All Maersk Line ships are “under control, employees are safe and communication to crew and management onboard is functioning,” according to the company, adding that it is able to accept bookings through INTTRA.
However, Damco’s access to certain systems is limited, Maersk said, noting that “a business continuity plan has been deployed with a key focus on protecting customers’ cargo flows.”
Meanwhile, the majority of terminals are now operational, with some running slower than usual or with limited functionality, according to Maersk.
Maersk said APM Terminals continue to work towards full restoration of its IT systems.