Live blog: Middle East situation

Wednesday 04-03-2026 15:53

Given the current restrictions in the Middle East, we are looking at alternative routes. Below, you’ll find an example of what we can offer. Thanks to our own offices in the UAE with a customs license, we can provide this solution directly for you. For more information or if you’re interested, you can contact our sales department at sales@jordex.com.

Wednesday 04-03-2026 15:41

For the moment the service into the Red Sea remains active as per current setting, but enhanced measurements have been implemented to ensure the safety and security of the crew, vessel and the cargo.

Please note that with immediate effect WEC Lines will implement a War Risk surchargefor all cargo currently in, and still to be delivered at the ports of loading in the NWC,

W-MED and Scan/Baltic region with destinations within the Red Sea (Aden, Djibouti, King Abdullah, Jeddah, Port Sudan and Sokhna) at the following levels: 

• USD/EUR 2.000,00/20’ DV (incl. SOC units)

• USD/EUR 3.000,00/40’ DV/HC (incl. SOC units)

Wednesday 04-03-2026 15:12

Due to the ongoing security situation in the Middle East and the escalation of risks in the Strait of Hormuz, Ocean Network Express (ONE) has announced operational changes affecting shipments to and from the Persian Gulf region.

Vessels are currently unable to safely transit the area, resulting in significant service disruptions across Middle East trade corridors.

Contingency Measures: 1: Containers may be discharged at a nearby safe port. 2: Customers will be asked to confirm a Change of Destination (COD) or Shipback arrangement (subject to feasibility and agreed costs). 3: If no agreement is reached, the voyage may be terminated at a safe port, where cargo will be considered delivered.

An Emergency Surcharge (EMS), effective 4 March 2026, applies to shipments to/from:

• Iraq

• Bahrain

• Kuwait

• Qatar

• Oman

• United Arab Emirates

• Saudi Arabia (Dammam)

Surcharge levels (USD per container):

• 20’ Dry: 1,200

• 40’/45’ Dry & HC: 2,400

• 20’ Reefer/Special/Haz: 2,200

• 40’ Reefer/Special/Haz: 3,400

All related operational costs (detention, demurrage, storage, etc.) remain for the cargo owner’s account.

Wednesday 04-03-2026 13:35

The publication from CMA CGM highlights that, due to the evolving security situation in the Middle East, the safety of crews, vessels, and cargo is the top priority. Emergency measures are now in place for shipments to and from:

• Iraq (Umm Qasr)

• Bahrain

• Kuwait

• Yemen

• Qatar

• Oman

• UAE

• Saudi Arabia.

Measures may include vessel deviations to contingency ports or change of Destination (COD)

All charges arising from these measures (including ECS, detention, storage, handling) are for the customer’s account.

Wednesday 04-03-2026 10:59

Due to the current operational and security constraints in the Upper Gulf region, a decision has been made to maintain cargo safety, ensure secure equipment positioning, and uphold operational standards. Accordingly, Hapag-Lloyd has decided to implement a booking stop with immediate effect and until further notice for all cargo types to the following countries (both from and to):

• United Arab Emirates

• Iraq

• Kuwait

• Qatar

• Bahrain

• Oman (Sohar)

• Saudi Arabia (Dammam and Jubail)

• Yemen

Wednesday 04-03-2026 09:59

MSC Declares ‘End of Voyage’ for Shipments to the Arabian Gulf. Shipping company MSC has announced an End of Voyage declaration for all shipments destined for ports in the Arabian Gulf. The decision comes in response to the ongoing unrest in the Middle East.

The measure applies to all cargo currently under MSC’s management, both at sea and onshore. The affected destinations are:

• United Arab Emirates: Jebel Ali, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah

• Qatar: Hamad

• Saudi Arabia: Ad Dammam, transport to Riyadh Dry Port, Jubail

• Kuwait: Shuwaikh, Shuaiba

• Bahrain: Bahrain

• Oman: Sohar, Salalah

• Iraq: Umm Qasr

Ships already en route to this region will be diverted to the nearest safe port, where the cargo will be discharged and made available to the owner. MSC will apply a mandatory surcharge of USD 800 per container to cover the deviation. In addition, all costs related to unloading, storage, and further handling will be for the account and risk of the cargo owner, in accordance with the shipping terms and conditions.

Empty containers that have already been released for stuffing and were intended for the above ports are also included under this measure.

At Jordex, we are closely monitoring developments and reviewing alternative options where possible. If this concerns your shipment(s), we will contact you personally.

Tuesday 03-03-2026 16:52

Scope of application
Trade coverage: Worldwide to/from
UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia (Eastern Province), Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Oman*

*CMA CGM & Hapag-Lloyd: yes
*Maersk: not yet

Summary conclusion
Most shipping lines are applying Red Sea and/or Middle East surcharges, particularly for new bookings.
Booking stops are widely in effect across multiple carriers.
Reefer bookings are additionally restricted or completely suspended by several shipping lines.

Tuesday 03-03-2026 15:59

Alternative routes are currently becoming available. As flights to Doha and Dubai are resuming, our colleagues at Jordex Air Cargo will be happy to assist you further. Please feel free to contact them directly to review the available options per shipment.

Tuesday 03-03-2026 11:05

For the time being MSC, Mediterranean Shipping Company will continue its service into the RED SEA region, but is forced to implement a WAR RISK SURCHARGE (WAR) applicable for all bookings currently in the port (POL), received bookings & any new bookings (as from 02.03.2026).

The quantum of this WRS surcharge will be applied as follows :

20ft. DRY equipment : $ 2000

40ft. DRY equipment : $ 3000

ALL REEFER equipment : $ 4000

ALL SPECIAL equipment : $ 4000

Tuesday 03-03-2026 10:44

Maersk is now also introducing surcharges due to the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Maersk is immediately implementing an Emergency Freight Increase (EFI). Disruptions in sailing schedules and higher operational costs make this surcharge necessary for shipments to and from the Middle East.

Surcharges per container:

• 20’ Dry: USD 1,800

• 40’ & 45’ Dry / HC: USD 3,000

• 20’ & 40’ Reefer / Specials: USD 3,800

These surcharges apply to all new and existing bookings (not yet shipped or not yet completed) to and from, among others, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia (Eastern Province), Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iraq, effective from March 3, 2026.

Tuesday 03-03-2026 10:28

Due to the ongoing uncertainty and evolving airspace restrictions, flights remain suspended.

Tuesday 03-03-2026 09:11

At Maersk, too, reefer, hazardous/special cargo, and new bookings to and from several countries (such as the UAE, Oman, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia) are being suspended.

Tuesday 03-03-2026 09:01

The Liberty Clause

The Liberty Clause is a contractual provision in shipping and charter agreements that gives the carrier the right to deviate from the originally planned route or service under certain circumstances, such as safety considerations (e.g., war, risks of blockades, hazardous areas). This provides the carrier with the flexibility to act without it automatically being considered a breach of contract.

What it means in practice:

• The carrier may change course, skip ports, or call at alternative ports if necessary for safety or to comply with government or insurer directives.

• If such deviation falls within the scope of the Liberty Clause, it is not considered a “deviation” in the contractual sense and does not trigger damage or liability claims.

Why it is applied in the current context. In unsafe or conflict situations (such as in the Middle East), carriers may:

• change routes to avoid high-risk areas,

• skip ports that pose danger to the vessel, crew, or cargo,

• use alternative ports for loading or unloading.

Thanks to the Liberty Clause, they can do this without being contractually liable for not strictly following the originally planned route or schedule.

Monday 02-03-2026 16:11

Several carriers have introduced war- and conflict-related surcharges, including for example:

• Hapag-Lloyd: War Risk Surcharge (WRS), for the Middle East of USD 1,500 per TEU / USD 3,500 per reefer and per special equipment

• CMA CGM: Emergency Conflict Surcharge (ECS) of USD 2,000 per 20’ / USD 3,000 per 40’ / USD 4.000 per reefer and bookingstop for new bookings

• MSC: Booking restrictions and emergency operational measures

In addition, other global and niche carriers serving the region — including COSCO Shipping, OOCL, Ocean Network Express (ONE), and various regional operators — are closely monitoring the situation and may implement similar surcharges, routing adjustments, or service changes as conditions evolve.

We can offer alternative solutions; please contact your Jordex representative so we can assess the best option per shipment.

Monday 02-03-2026 15:43

Hapag-Lloyd announces a Contingency Surcharge (CSU) between Red Sea and North Europe, Mediterranean Sea and North Africa is coming up. This Contingency Surcharge (CSU) is applicable for all container types, for all sailings commencing on March 3, 2026 until further notice.

The details of this surcharge are listed below:

• USD 1,500 per TEU for standard containers

• USD 3,500 per container for reefer containers and special equipment

Monday 02-03-2026 14:53

• MSC, OOCL, HMM, and ONEY currently have a booking stop.

• Maersk and Evergreen have not issued any announcements yet.

• CMA and Hapag-Lloyd have implemented specific surcharges (ECS and WRS).

• YM is following most carriers with booking restrictions / emergency operational measures.

• The status of ongoing bookings is still uncertain and is being actively monitored.

• In combination with our local offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, we are in close contact with the shipping lines to monitor the next steps.

• Jeddah is currently still open for bookings with MSC, Maersk, and Hapag-Lloyd. The surcharges for MSC and Maersk are not yet known. Hapag-Lloyd has announced that no surcharges will be applied for Jeddah and Aqaba at this time. We will keep you informed of any changes.

Monday 02-03-2026 13:27

Air freight update – Middle East

 The airspace of Doha, Bahrain and Dubai is currently closed until at least 17:00 local time. We expect to receive further updates after this time. Consequently, no air freight is currently moving to these destinations.

From all the airlines ex Amsterdam to the Middle East, three of them are still offering sporadic services to a limited number of destinations in the Middle East. These options are mainly to the following destinations; Jeddah, Riyadh, Oman and Dammam. 

We will provide further updates as more information becomes available.

Monday 02-03-2026 11:37

Ships are currently idling at the Strait of Hormuz not out of fear, but because of insurance requirements. Major maritime insurers are now mandating extra war risk coverage for transits. Without this coverage, vessels simply won’t sail. Once the additional protection is secured, ships will resume transit; otherwise, they will reroute.

This is primarily a risk management and insurance issue, not a purely military standoff. The impact is significant, as nearly 20% of global oil flows through this chokepoint.

Countries and regions most at risk if the strait remains blocked include India, China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, EU countries, and the UAE, due to their heavy reliance on oil imports or exports passing through the strait.

Source: Sal Mercogliano, WGOW Shipping, @_TheFluc