Gulf Crisis: Maersk and MSC Suspend Routes, Freight Costs Face Threat of Skyrocketing

Ocean carriers are simultaneously suspending shipments to and from the Arabian Gulf as hostilities in the region continue to escalate. Analysts warn that costs for exporters will inevitably rise, while delivery schedules will face severe delays.

Emergency Moves from Maersk and MSC

In an advisory issued on Monday evening, Maersk announced the suspension of all bookings to and from the UAE, Oman, Iraq, Kuwait, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. This suspension comprehensively applies to shipments originating from, destined for, or transshipping through these countries.

Explaining the cargo rerouting decision, a Maersk representative stated: "Due to the volatility of the ongoing situation, there is a need for alternative solutions to bringing your cargo to final destination, including finding alternative routing and storage in transit,"

To execute this, the carrier has applied an additional emergency freight rate ranging from $1,800 to $3,800 per container: "To do this, we are adding an emergency freight rate on cargo loading from or destined to ports in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia (Damman and Jubail), Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman (except Salalah)."

This week, MSC also issued an "End of Voyage" declaration for export cargo from the Arabian Gulf, following a similar declaration for import cargo into the region last week. MSC emphasized: "All affected cargo will be discharged and made available to cargo interests at the designated port. From that point onwards, custody, risk and responsibility for the cargo will transfer to the cargo interests."

Accordingly, all costs related to discharging, stevedoring, storage, or related services will be borne by the shippers themselves. Customers wishing to continue transport via MSC using an alternative route must sign a new and separate contract, accompanied by a mandatory surcharge of $800/container.

Wave of Reactions and Risks at the Strait of Hormuz

These latest developments occur as maritime activity along the Strait of Hormuz has completely stalled following warnings from the Iranian navy. Shipping lines are proactively avoiding this corridor as a precautionary measure.

Ashish Sheth, Chairman and Managing Director of Sarjak Container Lines and Saksham Group of Companies (India), commented: "Shipping lines are responsible for the safety of crews, vessels and cargo, and when conflict risks escalate, they may suspend or alter voyages,"

Many other carriers have also stepped in. ONE has suspended accepting cargo to several affected areas in the Middle East, while Emirates Shipping Line took similar measures for certain vessels bound for the Arabian Gulf. These moves are reminiscent of the Red Sea shipping crisis (2023-2025) and the tanker attacks in the Strait of Hormuz (2019).

Heavy Impact on the Global Supply Chain

The financial impact will depend on the duration of the disruption, but the consequences for both carriers and exporters are massive, including deviation costs, skyrocketing insurance premiums, and potential breach of contract penalties.

Assessing the pressure on the market, Mr. Sheth added: "When a major carrier suspends direct service into a strategic trade hub like the Gulf, the ripple effects go far beyond shipping. Exporters face delayed deliveries, higher logistics costs and disrupted supply chains almost overnight."

Ben Farrell, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), emphasized that disruption at a critical "chokepoint" like the Strait of Hormuz can spread rapidly across continents: "If vessels are forced to reroute around longer shipping lanes or face sustained delays, it increases freight costs, insurance premiums and transit times across global trade networks. Over time, that could translate into higher prices for everything from manufactured goods to food and consumer products."

Regarding how industry professionals are responding, he stated: "The situation remains fluid, but procurement professionals are closely monitoring developments and activating contingency strategies where possible."

Summing up, Mr. Farrell provided a broad view of the current logistics system's resilience: "Supply chains are more resilient than they were five years ago, but prolonged disruption in such a critical corridor will inevitably create cost pressures and operational challenges across the global economy."

See more:

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• Maersk Suspends Cargo Bookings Across Multiple Gulf Nations Amid Hormuz Blockade Crisis
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• Carriers Impose $4,000/FEU Surcharge in the Middle East: Indian Exporters Appeal to Government for Help
• The Cape of Good Hope Route: Becoming the 'New Normal' for Global Shipping?
• Middle East Crisis: MSC Declares Emergency "End of Voyage" for Gulf-Bound Cargo, Imposes $800 Surcharge
• COSCO schedules: Vietnam - North America in Mar 2026
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• Iran Crisis Triggers Energy Shock: Global Oil and Gas Prices Soar, Maritime Transport Paralyzed
• Hormuz Crisis: 10% of Global Container Fleet Stranded, Risking Severe Supply Chain Disruption
• International Shipping and Logistics Market Update Week 9/2026 | Phaata
• Red Sea Crisis Returns: Nigerian Shippers Brace for a Wave of Vessel Rerouting and Surging Freight Rates
• Qatar Airways Cargo Suspends All Flights Amidst Doha Airspace Closure

Source: Phaata.com (According to The National News)

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