Liner giants Maersk and Mediterranean Shipping Co. (MSC) have suspended services to Ukraine following a full-scale invasion of the country by Russian forces.

The firms have begun implementing contingency measures, including diverting vessels away from the conflict zone.

Geneva-based MSC said it has also stopped accepting new booking for cargo to and from Ukraine.

The company added that the Jessenia R had been required to deviate during its voyage and would refrain from calling on Odessa, Ukraine.

Separately, Maersk said it was diverting cargoe originally bound for the Ukraine to Port Said in Egypt and Korfez in Turkey.