Maersk’s Emergency Regulations on Empty Container Returns in the Middle East

Source: Theloadstar

Ocean carrier Maersk has officially announced temporary changes to its empty container return procedures across several Middle Eastern markets. This move comes in response to the ongoing volatility impacting maritime and port operations around the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the carrier's statement, these measures are being deployed to ensure the absolute safety of its vessels, crew, and cargo amid highly unpredictable operational conditions in the region.

Mandatory Changes to Empty Return Locations

Effective immediately and until further notice, empty containers from current and new import shipments destined for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Saudi Arabia (Jubail), Iraq, and Oman (Duqm) will no longer be accepted at their usual return facilities.

Instead, customers are strictly required to return empty containers to alternative, carrier-approved depots. The approved drop-off locations include:

● In Oman: Ports of Salalah and Sohar.

● In Saudi Arabia: Port of Jeddah.

Exceptions and Empty Drop-off Fees

Maersk noted that limited acceptance will be maintained at specific locations, subject to operational conditions and empty intake capacity. Specifically:

● Saudi Arabia (Ports of Dammam and Jubail): Continues to accept all 40-foot containers and reefers. However, 20-foot containers will only be accepted if the customer agrees to pay a drop-off fee of $2,200 per container.

● Iraq: Empty containers will be accepted at the Port of Aqaba.

● Bahrain: Accepts empty containers subject to a drop-off fee of $3,000 per container.

● Kuwait: Accepts empty returns with a fee of $2,500 per container.

Regulations for Discharged Cargo and DEM/DET Charges

For containers that have already been discharged to the yard and for which a Delivery Order (D/O) has been issued, Maersk stated that customers may return the empties to the facility specified on the D/O, provided that the depot is still accepting equipment at the time of drop-off. If the designated facility has halted intake, the carrier will issue updated instructions to divert the return to another available designated depot.

Contractually, Maersk clarified that customers receiving containers at a carrier-designated facility must agree to return the empty equipment to that exact location. In the event the depot refuses intake, the customer must return it to an alternative depot as per Maersk’s advisories. Similarly, for customers requesting a Change of Destination (COD), empty equipment must also be returned to the newly designated location.

Notably, Demurrage and Detention (DEM/DET) charges will be calculated according to the local tariff of the designated return location, complying with prevailing local regulations. For customers facing difficulties due to cross-border return restrictions, Maersk recommends contacting the carrier's representatives directly to arrange suitable temporary solutions.

These temporary measures are subject to change depending on the evolving safety and operational conditions in the region.

See more:

• The Future of the ZIM Deal: Regulatory Hurdles for Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk's Contingency Plan
• Hormuz Shock: Over 204,000 TEUs at Risk of Being 'Trapped', Specter of Empty Container Shortages Returns to Asia
• CMA CGM's Pivot: Repatriating Fleet Under the French Flag as a Billion-Dollar US Pledge Remains in Limbo
• International Shipping and Logistics Market Update Week 11/2026 | Phaata
• February Tanker Market Review
• Asia-US Freight Rates Heat Up: US Considers Jones Act Waiver as FMC Scrutinizes Carrier Surcharges
• Gulf Crisis: Maersk and MSC Suspend Routes, Freight Costs Face Threat of Skyrocketing
• Maersk Implements Sweeping Peak Season Surcharges Across Multiple Key Trade Lanes
• Maersk Suspends Cargo Bookings Across Multiple Gulf Nations Amid Hormuz Blockade Crisis
• India: 95% of Trade Dependent on Foreign Fleets and the Ambition to Turn the Tide
• West Asia Tensions: Indian Exporters and Shipping Lines in Heated Standoff Over 'War Surcharges'
• Tanger Med Port Rises to Strategic Hub Status Amid Global Maritime Crisis
• Rate Volatility: CMA CGM Announces Sweeping Adjustments to FAK Rates and Peak Season Surcharges Across Major Trade Lanes
• 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
• SITC updates Vietnam-Intra Asia sailing schedules in Mar 2026

Source: Phaata.com (According to Container-News)

► Find Better Freight Rates & Logistics Service Providers!