Update | 2 March 2026
Amid rapidly escalating security developments in the Gulf region, MSC has announced the suspension of all new bookings for shipments destined to the Middle East until further notice. This decision reflects rising operational risks and limited visibility regarding maritime stability in the area.
CMA CGM has also issued immediate instructions for its vessels currently operating in, or heading toward, the Gulf to proceed to safe areas. In addition, the company has temporarily suspended transit through the Suez Canal and rerouted vessels via the Cape of Good Hope.
Furthermore, CMA CGM has introduced an Emergency Conflict Surcharge on shipments bound for Gulf and Red Sea ports as follows:
- USD 2,000 per 20’ container
- USD 3,000 per 40’ container
- USD 4,000 per reefer container
Maersk has similarly announced the rerouting of its MECL and ME11 services around Africa instead of transiting via the Suez Canal, as part of precautionary measures.
Based on these developments, the following impacts are expected:
- Congestion at alternative ports
- Subsequent bottlenecks at major Asian hubs such as Singapore, Tanjung Pelepas, and Port Klang
- Suspension of new cargo acceptance to Gulf destinations by some carriers
- Rapid increases in spot freight rates to the Gulf region
- A broader ripple effect potentially pushing freight rates higher across other major trade lanes
Maritime shipping has faced significant disruption following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the suspension of vessel transits, leading to paralysis in navigation across the Arabian Gulf. The strait is considered a strategic passage through which approximately 20% of global oil supplies transit.
In response to these developments, several major shipping lines announced adjustments to their service routes:
Maersk has diverted certain services, including ME11 and MECL, to sail via the Cape of Good Hope instead of transiting through the Red Sea.
CMA CGM has suspended its planned return to the Red Sea for services FAL1, FAL3, and MEX, and temporarily halted transits through the Suez Canal while redirecting vessels.
Hapag-Lloyd has suspended all transits through the Strait of Hormuz until further notice, stating that the safety of crews, vessels, and cargo remains its top priority.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is expected to result in:
- Disruptions to sailing schedules and delays in arrival times.
- Rerouting of vessels via the Cape of Good Hope, leading to longer transit times.
- Higher fuel and operational costs due to extended sailing distances.
- Potential congestion at Gulf ports, particularly Jebel Ali, as inbound and outbound flows are affected.
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