Middle East Operational Update 6

We are closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East and would like to provide you with an update on what it means for your shipments and our services across the region. As conditions develop, we are taking proactive measures to protect our people, safety, safeguard cargo integrity and maintain the stability of our network.

Please note that the following information is subject to change due to the highly volatile situation in the region.

Ocean Update 

We are taking operational measure to ensure the safety of our personnel, safeguard your cargo and maintain service stability across affected trades in the Middle East. Following our latest risk assessment and operational review, the following decisions are being implemented:

Limitations on Dangerous Goods Cargo to Israel:

Existing bookings and cargo in transit 

Due to the volatility of the ongoing situation, there is a need for alternative solutions to bringing your cargo to final destination, including finding alternative routing and storage in transit. To do this, we are adding an Emergency Freight rate on cargo loading from or destined to ports in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia (Damman & Jubail), Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman (except Salalah). The surcharge is based on your container category. See below:

Why are we implementing this

We are implementing this Emergency Freight rate to arrange alternative routing to final destination including finding potential storage solutions, additional charters and so forth. This fee includes transportation from temporary storage to final destination, when safe to complete the voyage. 

Please note that that due to the fluidity of this situation, we may need to adjust this surcharge.

Options for cargo on route:

We will do our utmost to support you through this disruption and avoid termination of voyage. To facilitate this, we have the following options for you to choose from:

Should we not hear from you regarding your impacted cargo on or before March 21st, we will contact you for termination of voyage. Please ensure that you reach out to our teams to ensure that your cargo is handled accordingly.

Cargo booking and cancellations:

With immediate effect, we are temporarily suspending cargo booking acceptance in and out of UAE, Oman (all ports apart from Salalah), Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia (Dammam and Jubail only) until further notice.

Shipments that contain critical foodstuff, medicine and perishable goods, we will do our utmost to ensure special attention is given.

Existing bookings with no containers gated out to the above-mentioned countries and ports will be cancelled as the situation continues to be tumultuous.

The suspension and cancellations apply to cargo originating from, destined for, or transhipping through these countries (exception Salalah transhipment to non-upper gulf Countries or between non-upper gulf countries, or between non-upper Gulf countries, for example shipping from Seychelles to Turkey, transshipping in Salalah).

Cargo booked but not yet stuffed:

We encourage our customers to engage with their local Maersk representative to explore alternative gateway options, adjusted routing structures or inland solutions outside the impacted zones, where operationally feasible. Our teams remain focused on identifying workable solutions while prioritizing safety and operational resilience; if you would like to change your port of destination, please reach out to your customer representative who can assist you on this.

Air Update 

As the situation continues to evolve, several countries including the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, and Iran have announced the temporary suspension of their air spaces. Additionally, as a precautionary measure, airlines have cancelled or re-routed flights through the region. The reduced flight options and lastminute carrier schedule changes may result in delays or extended transit times. The impact is spreading across multiple trade lanes as carriers have limited options to route cargo via the Middle East.

Impact on seaports and ocean operations may also contribute to extended lead times, particularly for SeaAir volumes connecting through the affected hubs. Furthermore, ground movement at airports and cargo terminals—such as cargo handovers, acceptance, and processing—may be affected where local restrictions or staff shortages occur. 

Landside update

Landside services like trucking, rail, and warehousing remain operational across the region. Customers should expect possible border congestion, customs delays, and variable transit times. Alternative routes and stricter security may cause schedule changes and cost shifts. The situation is being monitored for quick response and efficient management.

We will continue to keep you updated on the situation, via our Red Sea / Gulf of Aden / Hormuz Strait situation page. Should you have further questions please do not hesitate to reach out to your local Maersk representative. Our teams are on hand to support with your planning, should you need any assistance.