There are around 140 container ships trapped in the region, according to Alphaliner, with MSC and CMA CGM most affected.

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company has declared an “End of Voyage” for all shipments destined for ports in the Arabian Gulf, citing the ongoing situation in the Middle East. The measure applies to cargo located both ashore and at sea, as well as to empty containers already released for stuffing and intended for export to the affected destinations.

All shipments currently en route will be diverted to the next safe port of discharge, where cargo will be unloaded and placed at customers’ disposal for local delivery and recovery. A mandatory surcharge of US$ 800 per container will be levied on all affected shipments to cover deviation costs. Customers seeking to forward their cargo to an alternative destination will be required to arrange a new transport booking through MSC’s usual agency channels.

CMA CGM is also implementing emergency measures for shipments to and from Iraq (Port of Umm Qasr), Bahrain, Kuwait, Yemen, Qatar, Oman, the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. CMA CGM said vessels may divert to contingency ports under Clause 10 of its bill of lading, citing force majeure. Customers must then issue new delivery instructions — including taking cargo at the diversion port, arranging inland transport or requesting a change of destination — with all additional costs for the cargo’s account.

The latest measures come as the region entered the fourth day of escalating hostilities, marked by missile strikes, drone attacks and other military exchanges between Iran, Israel and the United States. Iran has launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes across the region, effectively halting vessel transits through the Strait of Hormuz and triggering widespread shipping disruptions. While the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz mainly impacts the oil and gas market, there are around 140 container ships trapped in the region, according to Alphaliner. Given that Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb straits are no longer safe for navigation, as multiple tankers that tried to cross were attacked, liner majors are rerouting their ships. Alphaliner said that MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company and CMA CGM are the most affected carriers by the closure, with fifteen (109,000 TEU) and fourteen (70,000 TEU) vessels, respectively, seeking shelter.

Maersk has temporarily suspended all cargo bookings originating from, destined for, or transhipping through the UAE, Oman (all ports except Salalah), Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia (Dammam and Jubail only) until further notice.  The company said that Jeddah and King Abdullah ports in Saudi Arabia and Salalah, Oman, remain operational and are not affected by this measure at this stage.

Maersk has also suspended reefer and dangerous or special cargo acceptance in and out of the UAE, Oman, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan and Saudi Arabia until further notice. Exceptions will be made for critical foodstuffs, medicines and other essential goods.

It has also suspended all new bookings between the Indian Subcontinent – India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka – and Upper Gulf markets including the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Iraq, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia (Dammam and Jubail only). Other trade corridors remain unaffected. The company is not accepting dangerous cargo to and from Israel until further notice, while other cargo flows to and from Israel remain open.

COSCO SHIPPING Lines has also suspended new container bookings to and from several Persian Gulf markets following disruptions to maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a service advisory issued on 4 March. A similar announcement was made by Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL), which has instructed all operated vessels not to enter the Persian Gulf or approach within 200 nautical miles of the Strait of Hormuz.

AD Ports expects lower volumes at Khalifa Port

AD Ports Group reassured its customers on Wednesday that all operations across its clusters continue as normal in light of current regional developments.

“As a precautionary measure, the Group has activated its crisis management and business continuity protocols, in coordination with the concerned authorities in the UAE to safeguard its workforce, partners and stakeholders, while ensuring uninterrupted services to customers,” the company said. “All UAE ports and terminals managed and operated by the Group’s Ports Cluster, in addition to related services, remain fully operational.”

The company pointed out that given the decline in traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, it expects a corresponding reduction in vessel calls at Khalifa Port. “However, services at Khalifa Port will remain fully operational and uninterrupted. The Group expects increased volumes across its diversified global maritime network as a result of shifting trading routes due to the evolving regional developments,” the company added.

Across the group’s Maritime & Shipping Cluster, the majority of its 122 shipping vessels, including container, bulk, Ro-Ro, and multipurpose vessels, are operating outside the Strait of Hormuz. Those currently within the Strait continue to operate intra-Gulf services. Overall, AD Ports expects the impact on the Maritime & Shipping Cluster to be limited.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, said: “Global trade has historically demonstrated resilience during periods of geopolitical tension. Through disciplined execution, operational excellence and proactive risk management, AD Ports Group remains well positioned to support supply chain stability and uphold its commitments to customers across its global network.’’