SEA FREIGHT – CONTAINERISED SHIPPING DISRUPTION
The most significant development for cargo owners is a major operational decision by the world's largest container carrier, MSC. Carrier updatesMSC – End of Voyage declaration (major shipper cost & responsibility shift)
MSC has declared "End of Voyage" for all shipments under MSC custody destined for ports in the Arabian Gulf, whether located ashore or at sea. Under this measure: • Cargo will be discharged at the next safe port, rather than the contracted destination.
• Responsibility for the container transfers back to the shipper at the discharge port.
• Shippers must arrange onward transportation to the final destination and pay local port charges including storage and handling.
• MSC will apply a USD 800 per container deviation surcharge for affected shipments. This decision has significant ramifications for cargo owners as shipments may be discharged short of destination, forcing cargo interests to arrange alternative logistics solutions while absorbing additional costs.
The combination of declaring an "End of Voyage" while also applying a USD 800 per container deviation surcharge may raise questions for shippers as to why a deviation charge is being levied in circumstances where the contractual voyage itself is being terminated. MSC advisory:
https://www.msc.com/en/newsroom/customer-advisories/2026/march/important-notice-end-of-voyage-declaration-for-shipments-to-the-arabian-gulf
CMA CGM
Advisory #6 – Shipments Impacted by the Current Situation (3 March 2026)
CMA CGM has warned that shipments to and from several Middle Eastern countries may be disrupted as security conditions in the region deteriorate. Emergency operational measures are being implemented, including possible vessel deviations to contingency ports. Where cargo is discharged short of its intended destination, customers may be asked to provide instructions for onward delivery, re-routing to an alternative port, or inland transport arrangements. These actions are being taken under the Force Majeure and deviation provisions of the CMA CGM Bill of Lading.
?? https://www.cma-cgm.com/news/5348/advisory-6-middle-east-shipments-impacted-by-the-current-situation Advisory #5 – Suspension of All Bookings (3 March 2026)
In a separate notice issued the same day, CMA CGM announced the suspension of all new bookings to and from the Middle East region due to the escalating situation. The carrier indicated that the measure is precautionary and will remain in place until further notice, with services expected to resume once security conditions allow.
?? https://www.cma-cgm.com/news/5347/advisory-5-middle-east-suspension-of-all-bookings
Hapag-Lloyd
Suspension of Strait of Hormuz Transits Due to Security Closure
Due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East and the official closure of the Strait of Hormuz by relevant authorities, Hapag-Lloyd has announced the suspension of all vessel transits through the waterway until further notice. The carrier advises that this decision may lead to delays, rerouting, or schedule adjustments for services calling ports in the Arabian Gulf, with efforts underway to minimise disruption and communicate any changes to affected shipments. Read the full notice:
Suspension of Strait of Hormuz Transits Due to Security Closure
Maersk
Strait of Hormuz Closure – Emergency Freight Increase In response to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and escalating security risks in the Middle East, Maersk has announced an Emergency Freight Increase (EFI) for cargo moving to and from key Gulf markets including the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia (Dammam and Jubail), Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq and Oman (Sohar). The carrier says vessel transits through the Strait are currently unsafe, forcing alternative routings and operational adjustments across affected services. The surcharge has been introduced to offset the additional operational costs and disruption to service flows. The Emergency Freight Increase will apply at the following levels: - USD 1,800 – 20' dry containers
- USD 3,000 – 40' / 45' dry or high cube containers
- USD 3,800 – reefer and special equipment
The charge applies to all bookings not yet shipped, cargo already on the water, and future bookings from 2 March 2026 (with Oman–Sohar effective 3 March 2026). It will not apply to cargo only transhipping through the affected ports. Maersk has also advised that the increase is being implemented under Clause 20 of its Bill of Lading, which allows modification of freight rates in exceptional circumstances. The carrier notes that the revised freight levels reflect the significant operational costs arising from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Read the full notice:
https://www.maersk.com/news/articles/2026/03/03/strait-of-hormuz-closure-emergency-freight-increase-for-world-to-from-uae-qatar-saudi-arabia-bahrain-kuwait-iraq-oman-sohar
Further operational guidance and ongoing contingency updates are being provided through Maersk's "Stay Ahead" disruption tracker, which includes information on vessel rerouting, affected services, and schedule updates. The carrier notes that some services are being rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope and that decisions on vessel routings may be taken on a vessel-by-vessel basis while the situation remains fluid. Further Maersk guidance and operational updates:
https://www.maersk.com/stay-ahead
Ocean Network Express (ONE)
ONE has announced a temporary suspension of acceptance of new bookings for cargo moving to and from the Persian Gulf until further notice. ONE advisory:
https://www.one-line.com/en/news/temporary-suspension-bookings-and-persian-gulf
COSCO Shipping Lines COSCO has issued a Middle East operational update outlining safety measures and vessel routing instructions as security risks escalate in the region. COSCO advisory 1:
https://lines.coscoshipping.com/home/News/detail/17723708499098045860/50000000000000231?id=50000000000000231
COSCO advisory 2:
https://lines.coscoshipping.com/home/News/detail/17725917096817349235/50000000000000231?id=50000000000000231
OOCLOOCL has advised customers that vessels operating near the Persian Gulf are maintaining safe stand-off distances while monitoring developments around the Strait of Hormuz. OOCL advisory hub:
https://www.oocl.com/eng/aboutoocl/customerservice |