Middle East Shipping Update: Disruptions, Surcharges and Route Changes

Due to the rapidly escalating security situation in the Middle East — particularly around Iran, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Strait of Hormuz — major shipping lines have implemented precautionary safety measures to protect crews, vessels, and cargo.

Key Impacts and what to expect:

1. Booking Suspensions

Several carriers have temporarily suspended new bookings to and from the Persian Gulf and wider Middle East region until further notice.

2. Emergency Conflict Surcharge – Effective March 2, 2026

• Applies to all cargo types to/from multiple Middle East countries (including Iraq, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Yemen, Jordan, Egypt – Ain Sokhna, Djibouti, Sudan, Eritrea).

• Applies to new bookings (from March 2 onward), unshipped cargo, and cargo already in transit but not yet discharged.

3. Route Changes & Service Disruptions

Vessel transits through the Strait of Hormuz have been suspended.

• Trans-Suez services are paused.
• Some services are being rerouted via the Cape of Good Hope.
• Delays, schedule changes, and equipment shortages are expected.

4. Cargo Already in Transit

Carriers are assessing shipments voyage-by-voyage and may:

• Redirect to alternative discharge ports

• Hold vessels in safe waters

• Reduce speed

• Redirect to alternative discharge ports

Overall, carriers emphasise that these measures are necessary for safety and regulatory compliance. Operations will resume normally once the security situation stabilises and customers are advised to contact local representatives for shipment-specific guidance.

Update on 11 March 2026

Ocean Network Express (ONE) has confirmed that the ONE Majesty, a 6,724 TEU vessel, was the latest ship targeted off the coast of the United Arab Emirates. According to a statement cited by The Japan Times, no crew members were injured and there were no reports of flooding, fire or oil leakage. The company also confirmed that the vessel remains fully capable of sailing.

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