Maersk Operations announced a temporary suspension of cargo shipping orders to several Middle East ports amid the deteriorating security situation in the region. The restrictions are effective immediately and apply to shipments to the UAE, Oman (excluding the port of Salalah), Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia (to the ports of Dammam and Jubail). The company clarified that exceptions will only be made for critical cargo, including food, medicine, and other essential goods.
According to Maersk’s announcement, the restrictions apply not only to cargo destined for the aforementioned countries but also to shipments from these countries, as well as transit shipments through their ports. The measures apply to all types of cargo, including refrigerated, hazardous, and specialized cargo. Furthermore, the company has temporarily suspended the acceptance of hazardous cargo for shipments to and from Israel until further notice.
Maersk also announced the suspension of container vessel transit through the Strait of Hormuz. The company warns that vessel calls at Persian Gulf ports may be subject to delays, route changes, and schedule adjustments. Furthermore, the carrier has temporarily cancelled future trans-Suez services through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and is rerouting services ME11 (Middle East – India – Mediterranean) and MECL (Middle East – India – US East Coast). Shipping company Hapag-Lloyd also previously announced the suspension of transit through the Strait of Hormuz.