Maersk Halts Gulf Cargo Bookings as Strait of Hormuz Tensions Disrupt Shipping
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Shipping giant pauses bookings to several Gulf countries and introduces emergency surcharges as security risks grow around the Strait of Hormuz.
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Global shipping giant Maersk has temporarily stopped accepting cargo bookings to and from several Gulf markets as rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continue to disrupt key trade routes.
The company said security risks in the region have made it difficult for vessels to move safely through the crucial shipping corridor.
Shipments to several Gulf countries affected
The booking pause affects shipments linked to multiple destinations across the Gulf, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, and Oman.
According to the company, vessels are currently unable to safely pass through the Strait of Hormuz as security conditions in the area continue to escalate.
This has significantly disrupted shipping flows across several Middle East trade corridors.
Emergency freight surcharges introduced
Alongside the booking suspension, Maersk has also rolled out emergency freight increases for shipments connected to the region.
The new surcharges include:
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$1,800 for a 20-foot container
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$3,000 for 40-foot and 45-foot containers
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$3,800 for refrigerated or special cargo containers
The company said the temporary charges reflect the higher operational risks and disruptions currently affecting shipping routes in the Gulf.