Middle East Shipping Update: Suspensions, Reroutes, War Risk

We would like to provide an important update regarding developments in the Middle East and their impact on global container shipping services. 

Due to the escalating security situation in the region, Hapag-Lloyd has announced several operational changes affecting services to and from the Gulf region. While Hapag-Lloyd is among the first major carriers to formally implement these measures, we expect other shipping lines to follow with similar suspensions, rerouting decisions, and surcharges as the situation continues to evolve.

Suspension of Strait of Hormuz Transits

Following the official closure of the Strait of Hormuz by relevant authorities, Hapag-Lloyd has suspended all vessel transits through this waterway until further notice. 

This measure is a mandatory safety response to current regulatory and security conditions. The safety of crews, vessels, and cargo remains the highest priority. 

Impact: 

• Potential delays to services calling the Arabian Gulf 

• Possible rerouting and schedule adjustments 
• Disruptions to equipment availability across carrier networks 

IMX Service Rerouted via the Cape of Good Hope

Due to the deteriorating security environment in the Red Sea corridor, transits via the Bab el-Mandeb Strait have been paused. 

All IMX service sailings will now be rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope until further notice. 

While this routing ensures crew and cargo safety, it will result in extended transit times compared to the traditional Trans-Suez passage. Once security conditions stabilise, carriers are expected to prioritise the Trans-Suez route again due to its speed, cost efficiency, and sustainability benefits. 

Introduction of War Risk Surcharge (WRS)

In response to the ongoing instability and increased operational risk, a War Risk Surcharge (WRS) will be introduced for cargo moving to and from the Upper Gulf, Arabian Gulf, and Persian Gulf. 

Effective: 2 March 2026 (until further notice) 

Applicable Charges: 

• USD 1,500 per TEU – Standard containers 

• USD 3,500 per container – Reefer containers & special equipment 

This surcharge applies to: 

• All new bookings issued on or after 2 March 2026 that have not yet shipped 

• Cargo already on the water that has not yet been discharged or loaded within the affected Gulf regions 

The charge is to be borne by the booking party. 

We anticipate similar war risk or emergency surcharges being introduced by additional carriers in the coming days. 

What This Means for Your Supply Chain 

Clients with cargo currently in transit or with upcoming shipments involving the Gulf region should  

prepare for: 

• Longer transit times (particularly on services previously transiting Suez) 

• Increased schedule volatility 

• Equipment imbalances 

• Higher landed costs due to war risk surcharges 

• Potential broader network congestion if multiple carriers reroute around Southern Africa 

We strongly recommend reviewing shipment timelines, inventory planning, and contractual exposures accordingly.