Strait of Hormuz Closure - Temporary Suspension of Empty Returns in Impacted Countries (Imports)

In light of the evolving situation affecting navigation and port operations in and around the Strait of Hormuz, and in order to protect the safety of our vessels, crews and your cargo, Maersk is implementing temporary empty-container return arrangements.

Effective immediately and until further notice, for existing and new import shipments into the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia (Jubail), Iraq and Oman (Duqm), empty containers will not be accepted at their usual return locations.
Instead, empties should be returned only to the designated depots listed below.

Designated emptyreturn depots:

• Oman – Salalah & Sohar
• Saudi Arabia – Jeddah

Limited acceptance (exceptions: merchant haulage; subject to DRP and ERLD “empty acceptance” status):

• Saudi Arabia –Dammam and Jubail – All 40’ and Reefer units accepted, 20’ - Accepted only with Drop-Off Charge (DRP) $2200 per 20’ applied 
• Iraq – Accepted at Aqaba
• Bahrain – Accepted with DRP $3000 per container applied
• Kuwait – Accepted with DRP $2500 per container applied

For containers already discharged where Delivery Orders have been issued:

1. If the DO states a return location that is in “empty acceptance” status at gate‑in, return may be made to that stated location.
2. If the stated location is not accepting empties at the time of return, Maersk will issue an updated instruction to an available designated depot (ERLD/GCSS controlled)

Contractual Provisions

Abandonment of Carriage: By taking delivery of the containers at the place or port nominated by Maersk, you hereby agree that empty containers will be returned to Maersk at said place or port or—if that location is or becomes under a ‘no empty acceptance’ status—to one of the alternate ports nominated by Maersk in its Customer Advisories on Maersk.com, in accordance with our Terms of Carriage and applicable tariff.
Change of Destination (COD): By requesting a COD, you hereby agree that empty containers will be returned to Maersk at the nominated COD or—if that COD location is or becomes under a ‘no empty acceptance’ status—to one of the alternate ports nominated by Maersk in its Customer Advisories on Maersk.com, in accordance with our terms of carriage and applicable tariff.

Detention & Demurrage (D&D)

If crossborder return to a designated depot is unlawful or materially restricted by authorities, please contact your Maersk representative within 7 days of this notice so that we may agree on a compliant interim solution and the applicable D&D handling. D&D follows the local tariff of the designated return location, subject to local laws.

These measures are subject to change as operational and safety conditions evolve. For the latest updates, please refer to our Middle East vessel contingency situation page on Stay Ahead -Red Sea / Gulf of Aden situation | Maersk

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this period. For assistance with return instructions, documentation, or exception handling, please reach out to your local Maersk representative and quote your Bill of Lading number(s). Our teams remain available to support your planning.