We are closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East and would like to provide you with an update on what it means for your shipments and our services across the region. As conditions develop, we are taking proactive measures to protect our people, safety, safeguard cargo integrity and maintain the stability of our network.
Please note that the following information is subject to change due to the highly volatile situation in the region.
Temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran
Information is still scarce, and we are urgently seeking clarification. The situation remains deeply dynamic, with full maritime certainty not assured. The safety of our seafarers, vessels and cargo remains Maersk’s top priority.
Any decision to transit the Strait of Hormuz will be based on continuous risk assessments, close monitoring of the security situation, and available guidance from relevant authorities and partners.
Volatility persists in the situation. In coordination with our security partners, we have assessed that as of now, transit through the Strait should be avoided. We will continue monitoring developments and provide updates as clarity improves.
Initiative from US government on vessels inside the Strait:
It is crucial that freedom of navigation is restored, and we welcome any effort to achieve this.
We are following developments closely, and once we understand the details of the US administration’s initiative, it will be factored into our ongoing security reviews.
The safety of our crew, vessels, and customers’ cargo remains our priority. Any decision to transit the strait will be based on risk assessments and close monitoring of the security situation.
Landside update
Landbridge solutions in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE, Qatar and Iraq
Please find the continued expansion of our multimodal transport solutions across the Gulf region.
Please note that the information below is only relevant for landside transportation. Please note that all transportation services are subject to availability, and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Please note that we are temporarily pausing landside bookings:
- on cargo going from UAE and Qatar via Jeddah port and Oman port
- on cargo going from Jeddah Port to UAE, Oman and Qatar
- on cargo going from Salalah and Sohar to UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar
- From Upper Gulf origins (Dammam, Jubail, Bahrain, Kuwait) via Jeddah Port
- From Iraq via Aqaba Port
- From Jeddah Port to Riyadh and Dammam Carrier Haulage
- From Khor Fakkan, Fujairah, Jebel Ali, and Abu Dhabi ports to the rest of the UAE
- From Salalah to inland destinations across Oman
- From Jeddah Port to Bahrain and Kuwait via Dammam – Sea-Land-Sea (Only Dry)
- From Khor Fakkan to UAE
- From Khor Fakkan to Qatar (reefer specifically)
- From Aqaba to Iraq
- Dry cargo
- Frozen cargo
| Cargo Type | Cargo booking: |
|---|---|
| Reefer | Suspension of all bookings to and from Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia (Dammam & Al Jubail) and to the UAE (excluding Khor Fakkan) with exceptions from the ports mentioned below*.Bookings are accepted to /From Saudi Arabia (Jeddah & King Abdullah port), Jordan, Lebanon, Israel, Oman (Salalah and Sohar) and Khor Fakkan (UAE) – import only)Container Yard Jebel Ali acceptance*Shipments that contain critical foodstuff, medicine and perishable goods, we will do our utmost to ensure special attention is given.The suspension applies to cargo originating from, destined for, or transhipping through these countries (exception Salalah transhipment to non-upper gulf Countries or between non-upper gulf countries, or between non-upper Gulf countries, for example shipping from Seychelles to Turkey, transhipping in Salalah). |
| DG | Suspension of all bookings to and from the UAE (including Khor Fakkan)*, Oman (Salalah including transhipments), Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia (Dammam & Al Jubail) except some ports as mentioned below.Except for IMO 5.1, bookings accepted to and from Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), King Abdullah (Saudi Arabia), Aqaba (Saudi Arabia), and Sohar (Oman).Israel ports: DG restrictions in Israel have been lifted. DG bookings are now fully accepted at Haifa and Ashdod in line with local regulations. Booking systems have been updated accordingly.*For already accepted DG bookings destined for UAE, further information will be shared directly to impacted customers. |
| OOG/In-gauge | Suspension of all bookings to and from the UAE (including Khor Fakkan), Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia (Dammam & Al Jubail)Bookings accepted to and from Jeddah, King Abdullah, Aqaba, Salalah and Sohar. |
| Dry cargo | Suspension of all booking to and from UAE (except for Khor Fakkan), Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia (Dammam & Al Jubail), & Bahrain.Shipments that contain critical foodstuff, medicine and perishable goods, we will do our utmost to ensure special attention is given.We accept bookings to /From Saudi Arabia (Jeddah & King Abdullah port), Jordan & Oman (Salalah, Sohar), UAE (Khor Fakkan – only imports), Lebanon and Israel. |
| MLL | All above restrictions are not applicable for MLL operator bookings. |
Please note that we are in the process of updating Jebel Ali contract rates via Khor Fakkan. So, the rates showing at the time of booking may change and get updated before the Price calculation Date.
This doesn’t impact SPOT bookings where the rates are already updated.
Flex Hub/Flex route (sales on water) – In line with the ongoing contingency and workaround plans, Maersk will not accept any Flex Hub/Flex route (Sales on Water) requests with immediate effect until further notice for Hub- Salalah, Oman. Alternative hub acceptance is subject to operational feasibility.
Existing Ocean bookings and cargo in transit
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 do this, we are adding an Emergency Freight rate on cargo loading from or destined to ports in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia (Damman & Jubail), Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman (except Salalah). It is based on your container category and subject to required regulatory approvals. See below:
| Cargo type | Cost per container |
|---|---|
| 20’ dry container | USD 1800 |
| 40’ dry container | USD 3000 |
| Reefer, Special and DG container | USD 3800 |
Why are we implementing this
We are implementing this Emergency Freight rate to arrange alternative routing to final destination including finding potential storage solutions, additional charters and so forth. This fee includes transportation from temporary storage to final destination, when safe to complete the voyage.
Please note that that due to the fluidity of this situation, the Emergency Freight rate may be adjusted.
Options for cargo en route:
We will do our utmost to support you through this disruption and avoid abandonment of carriage. To facilitate this, we have the following options for you to choose from:
| Option | Cost | Additional information |
|---|---|---|
| A) Complete the planned voyage, with temporary storage | Strait of Hormuz Emergency Freight rate (as mentioned above), which covers 14 days of storage in transit.Beyond this there will be storage fee of USD 25 per TEU day plus reefer monitoring and plug-in fee where applicable as per the location tariff. This will be invoiced fortnightly. | Your cargo will be placed in long-term storage in a port, selected by Maersk. Onwards voyage will be initiated as soon as safely and practically possible, and covered by the rateMaersk reserves the right to declare abandonment of carriage. In such an event, no waivers or refunds will apply to charges already billed or paid. |
| B) Return to Origin | Freight payer pays the standard COD fee and pricing, alongside additional freight cost. This is subject to operational acceptance | This solution is subject to operational feasibility. if the decision is taken before the container reaches the affected region, the SoH Emergency Freight charge will not apply; only COD and differential freight charges will apply. If chosen after the container reaches the affected region or within 72 hours of planned discharge, the SoH Emergency Freight charge will be applied. |
| C) Change of Destination | Freight payer pays the standard COD fee and pricing, alongside additional freight cost. This is subject to operational acceptance | This solution is subject to operational feasibility. If the decision is taken before the container reaches the affected region, the SoH Emergency Freight charge will not apply; only COD and differential freight charges will apply. If chosen after the container reaches the affected region or within 72 hours of planned discharge, the SoH Emergency Freight charge will be applied. |
Important Notes
- Storage fees will apply from the 15th day after discharge at storage port until one of the following occurs:
- Container is loaded to complete the originally planned onward voyage.
- Container is loaded for return to origin (Option B).
- Container is loaded for onward journey to the new POD (Option C).
- Delivery/gateout from the port in cases where the carriage is abandoned or the customer chooses to take delivery at the storage in transit port.
For Cargo en route and discharged in Jebel Ali, UAE, the following will apply
- Transshipment cargo:
For cargo remaining under transshipment (including cargo staying at port or moving onward under a landbridge transshipment solution), a temporary storage charge will be payable by the freight payers of USD 25 per TEU/ per Day from the day of discharge, with reefer plug‑in charges applied at actuals, where applicable. - All other cases (Import or COD to Jebel Ali):
Where cargo is cleared as import in Jebel Ali, including cases involving a change of destination (COD), storage and plug‑in charges will be billed directly by the terminal to the customer, as per terminal tariffs and timelines. - Port storage and other pass through out of the pocket terminal charges are applicable, as per terminal tariff