**Cuban Economists Call for Legal Action Against International Shipping Lines Over Stranded Containers**
*Havana, 3 September 2026* – Members of the Network of the National Association of Economists and Accountants of Cuba (ANEC) have urged the Cuban government to pursue collective lawsuits against several international shipping companies that, according to the economists, have left thousands of containers destined for Cuba stranded in ports across the Caribbean.
In a statement delivered to the ANEC network, Dr. Juan Triana, a Ph.D. in sciences, argued that the state should “stimulate, coordinate, or advise a collective action by Cuban companies—both private and state-owned—against those shipping lines that have breached their contracts.” Triana said the companies cited compliance with third‑party regulations not included in the original agreements as a justification for the suspensions.
Another ANEC member, identified by the nickname “gutierrezurdanetaluis,” emphasized that the government must “accompany, coordinate and act in defense of the affected clients” in response to the alleged contractual violations. Academics Vivian Antuñez and Arnel Narciso also warned that delays could forfeit the opportunity to claim damages, noting that “time is passing and we lose the chance to demand compliance with the contract.”
**Background of the dispute**
International media reported in June that French carrier CMA CGM halted cargo shipments to Cuba, citing the implementation of recent United States coercive measures. German carrier Hapag‑Lloyd reportedly followed the same U.S. executive order. Both CMA CGM and Hapag‑Lloyd, along with Cuba, are signatories to two International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions that set standards for container safety and define liability for carriers and consignees.
Cuban Vice‑Prime Minister Oscar Pérez‑Oliva Fraga, Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment, raised the issue during the Seventh Ordinary Session of the National Assembly in July. He reported that more than 7,000 containers are currently held in various Caribbean ports, containing “food, medicines, solar panels, photovoltaic equipment and other supplies” that were legally purchased by Cuba under international trade rules.
According to reports cited by the Cuban outlet *Adelante*, CMA CGM left cargo intended for the Mariel port in Colombian harbors and also in Veracruz, Mexico. The carrier is alleged to have charged full freight rates for transport from Spain to the Greater Antilles and to have refused refunds to Cuban firms that have been regular customers for years.
**Humanitarian shipments affected**
The State Solidarity Movement with Cuba (MESC) issued a communiqué in early August condemning the blockage of containers and the rise in freight costs for donations to the island. The movement highlighted two humanitarian shipments that
Article and image source: adelante.cu
