DENMARK's Maersk Line has declared Egypt's Port Said as closed to operations because of rioting afflicting much of North Africa, but most seriously in Egypt.

In an advisory to customers entitled, "Egypt Situation", Maersk said: "Due to the situation in Egypt, Port Said Terminal is closed for operations at the moment. Operational prospects are not yet clear and we will currently ask our export customers not to gate-in to Haifa Port containers to or via Port Said."

Maersk added: "We will send updates about the situation as the situation unfolds."