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Shipping update
Temporary suspension of shipping to the Gulf
One of the most serious impacts has been disruption in the Strait of Hormuz...
What is happening in the Middle East, and how does it affect international shipping?
Due to the rapidly escalating crisis in the Middle East, several shipping lines have temporarily suspended shipments to and from the following Gulf countries: the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. These measures have been put in place to protect vessels, crews, and cargo while the situation in the region remains unstable.
The conflict began on Saturday (28th February 2026) when the United States and Israel carried out military strikes on Iran. Iran subsequently launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks targeting military bases and infrastructure across parts of the Gulf region. The escalating fighting has created significant security risks across regional airspace and maritime routes.
One of the most serious impacts has been disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic shipping route through which around 20% of the world’s oil and a significant portion of global trade normally passes. Threats to vessels and attacks on ships in the area have caused maritime traffic through the strait to drop dramatically. As a result, shipping companies, insurers, and port operators have reassessed the safety of operating in the region.
Where is the Strait of Hormuz?
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow but critical waterway situated between Iran to the north and Oman and the UAE to the south.
It connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and ultimately the Arabian Sea and is one of the world’s busiest shipping routes, acting as a vital gateway for global maritime trade.
Shipping lines and routes affected by the conflict
Several container carriers have paused cargo bookings or are diverting ships away from the Gulf, including:
- Maersk: suspended new cargo bookings to the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, parts of Saudi Arabia, and most ports in Oman.
- MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company): halted Gulf shipments and instructed vessels in the region to seek shelter.
- CMA CGM: paused some operations and redirected ships.
- Hapag-Lloyd: suspended transits through affected routes in response to the conflict.
These military actions have also disrupted the following shipping corridors:
- The Strait of Hormuz has effectively been closed or heavily restricted to commercial shipping.
- Persian/Arabian Gulf routes serving ports such as Dubai (Jebel Ali), Dammam, and Hamad.
- Suez Canal and Red Sea routes have had some services suspended or diverted due to heightened regional risks.
Many vessels are now rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope, which significantly increases transit times and costs.
What does this mean for our customers?
Shipments to and from the UAE, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia are temporarily suspended while shipping lines assess the safety of operating in the region. Shipping schedules may also change at short notice as the situation continues to develop.
Our team is closely monitoring the situation and working with our shipping partners to keep customers informed and identify alternative solutions wherever possible. If you have a planned shipment to or from the Gulf region, please contact our team for the latest updates and guidance.