In light of the evolving situation affecting navigation and port operations in and around the Strait of Hormuz, Maersk continues to prioritize the safety of our vessels, crew, and your cargo. As part of our contingency actions and to support customers during this period, we are implementing the following temporary Line Detention solutions to facilitate the timely return of empty containers and to provide greater flexibility to help you manage your supply chain.
Scenario 1:
Containers discharged in Salalah between 28th February and 25th March 2026, which have not been gated-out prior to 25th March)
For containers: (i) discharged at Salalah port from 28 Feb 2026 to 25 Mar 2025, and (ii) which have not been moved out of terminal (gated-out) before 25 Mar 2025,; Maersk will offer an extension of the free time allowance to 15 days of Free Time (FT) in total, provided that the container is gated out before and of March.
This means that customers who had contracted less than 15 days of free time now will automatically see their FT allowance extended if they remove their containers in accordance with the above. After this extended free time expires, your originally agreed terms apply normally.
This applies to local and cross-border movements and includes Dry and Reefer containers.
If your contracted free time exceeds this offer, nothing changes and your contract terms will apply.
This offer is valid for all containers gated out of Salalah Port between 25th and 31 March 2026 (23:59 h)
Containers gated out from 1 April 2026, regardless of the reason, will be subject to standard (or contracted, if any) free time conditions.
Scenario 2:
Containers discharged in Jebel Ali from 28th February 2026 (which have not yet been gated-out)
For containers: (i) discharged at Jebel Ali port from 28 Feb 2026 onwards; and (ii) which have not yet been moved out of terminal (gated-out); Maersk will offer an extension of the free time allowance to 15 days of Free Time (FT) in total
This means that customers who had contracted less than 15 days of free time now will automatically see their FT allowance extended. After this extended free time expires, your originally agreed terms apply normally.
This temporary applies to local and cross-border movements, includes Dry and Reefer containers.
If your contracted free time exceeds this offer nothing changes, and your contract terms will apply.
Scenario 3:
Containers discharged on or after 26th March 2026 – Salalah and Jeddah Ports
For containers discharged on or after 26th March 2026 at Salalah or Jeddah ports, standard (or contracted, if any) free time conditions will apply. However, customers may purchase a Free Time Extension package as follows:
- Salalah: 12 days at USD 360 per container.
- Jeddah: 8 days at USD 100 per container.
- This applies to cross-border and local movements.
The package can be purchased only once per container and cannot be combined with any other package. Should customers wish to purchase the offer, this would be available exclusively offline via your Customer Experience agents with Subject as “Middle east contingency“
If additional free time is required, customers may purchase further days through the Free Time Extension Product available online.
Customers can purchase Freetime Extension product online/offline immediately after discharge until their current "last Freetime day (LFD)" expires.
Scenario 4:
Exports – Merchant Haulage Cross Border Containers
Effective 26 March 2026, merchant haulage cross-border shipments will be offered a total of 15 days Free Time (FT). This means that we will automatically extend to 15 days the total free time available for those customers who had less than that, aiming to provide enhanced operational flexibility.
This offer is valid for all containers with PCD on or prior 30 April 2026.
If your contracted free time exceeds this offer, your service contract terms will apply instead.
All the above measures are subject to applicable laws and regulations.
The local D&D tariff applicable at the designated return locations, subject to local laws, can be found here https://www.maersk.com/local-information/imea > Select your country > Import.
If cross border return to a designated location is unlawful or materially prevented by authorities, please contact your Maersk representative within 7 calendar days of the date of this advisory so we can agree with a compliant interim solution (such as an alternate drop-off depot or extended storage arrangement) and how D&D will be handled. and the applicable D&D handling.
Maersk Cargo Insurance cover is subject to the terms and conditions of your individual policy. Customers are advised to review their policies and consult their insurance broker for confirmation of current coverage. All assistance and measures in this advisory are subject to Maersk’s standard terms and conditions, available at terms.maersk.com. All rights and remedies, under the contract or law, are reserved.