The organization’s most recent trade forecast, released in October, saw trade volume growth for this year at 2.7%, with 3% for 2025.

The major ocean carriers have struggled for years to conduct business in Syria while complying with international sanctions.

Workers held a series of protests at major ports on December 5, with the union planning for larger demonstrations on December 10.

The network will initially be powered by photovoltaic solar panels, with plans to eventually add wind energy. 

One of the ships saw a "staggering" 16% improvement in fuel efficiency — equal to removing the emissions of nearly 5,000 fossil-fuel-driven cars.

Maersk’s transpacific market share, is now 13.1% — slightly lower than the same month in 2023 — while its French competitor has 13.2%.

The vessels will range in size, with the capacity to carry between 9,000 and 17,000 twenty-foot-equivalent units each.

"Port operations must evolve," the USMX said in a December 3 release, responding to a statement from ILA executive vice president Dennis Daggett.

“This is a pivotal moment in our history," said Daggett. "The decisions we make today will determine the future for generations to come."

The de-listing follows a pledge by Panama’s maritime authority in October to penalize vessels sanctioned by the U.S., European Union, U.K. and United Nations.