Middle East Operational Update 5

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.

Ocean Update 

We are taking operational measure to ensure the safety of our personnel, safeguard your cargo and maintain service stability across affected trades in the Middle East. Following our latest risk assessment and operational review, the following decisions are being implemented:

Limitations on Dangerous Goods Cargo to Israel:

Air Update 

As the situation continues to evolve, several countries like the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, and Iran have announced the temporary suspension of their air spaces. Additionally, as a precautionary measure, airlines have also cancelled or re-routed their flights through the region. The reduced flight options and lastminute carrier schedule changes may result in delays or extended transit times.

Impact on seaports and ocean operations may also contribute to extended lead times, particularly for SeaAir volumes connecting through the affected hubs. Furthermore, ground movement at the airports and cargo terminals, such as cargo handovers, acceptance, and processing, may be affected where local restrictions or staff shortages occur.

Landside update

Landside services like trucking, rail, and warehousing remain operational across the region. Customers should expect possible border congestion, customs delays, and variable transit times. Alternative routes and stricter security may cause schedule changes and cost shifts. The situation is being monitored for quick response and efficient management.

Existing bookings and cargo in transit 

Cargo booking:

With immediate effect, we are temporarily suspending cargo booking acceptance in and out of UAE, Oman (all ports apart from Salalah), Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia (Dammam and Jubail only) until further notice.

Shipments that contain critical foodstuff, medicine and perishable goods, we will do our utmost to ensure special attention is given.

Existing bookings with no containers gated out to the above-mentioned countries and ports will be cancelled as the situation continues to be tumultuous.

The suspension and cancellations apply 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, transshipping in Salalah).

Cargo booked but not yet stuffed:

We encourage our customers to engage with their local Maersk representative to explore alternative gateway options, adjusted routing structures or inland solutions outside the impacted zones, where operationally feasible. Our teams remain focused on identifying workable solutions while prioritizing safety and operational resilience; if you would like to change your port of destination, please reach out to your customer representative who can assist you on this.

Cargo in transit:

Based on ongoing security risk assessments, we have taken the precautionary decision to start rerouting some impacted cargo on water for temporary storage within and near the region. We are doing this to maintain operational stability and avoid bottlenecking at key operational ports like Salalah. We will continuously assess the situation, and when possible, we will move cargo to the planned final destination. Our teams will continue to monitor movements closely and contact customers directly should any adjustments or further actions be required; should you require a change to your port of destination, please reach out to your customer representative who can assist you on this. This will follow normal procedure.

We will continue to keep you updated on the situation, via our Red Sea / Gulf of Aden / Hormuz Strait situation page. Should you have further questions please do not hesitate to reach out to your local Maersk representative. Our teams are on hand to support with your planning, should you need any assistance.