The disruption to Maersk's operations in the Strait of Hormuz has lasted for over three months. On June 3, Maersk released Update 6, adjusting the free container demurrage scheme for the ports of Salalah, Jebel Ali, and Jeddah. Some changes have already occurred, while others have added the option to purchase extensions.
Salalah Port
Container unloading from February 28th to March 25thFor containers not yet picked up, the free container usage period will be automatically extended to 15 days. This applies to both local and cross-border transport, covering both dry and refrigerated containers. Containers picked up before March 25th are not affected. Containers picked up after May 1st will have their standard free usage period restored.
Unloading of containers on or after March 26Automatic extensions are no longer possible, but extension packages can be purchased – 12 days, $360/container, same price for local and cross-border orders. Limited to one purchase per container, application must be submitted offline through an account manager with the subject line "Middle East contingency".
Jebel Ali (Hong Kong)
Unloading containers from February 28th to March 15thFor containers not picked up, the free container usage period will be automatically extended to 15 days. This applies only to local and cross-border transactions and does not apply to COD (Change of Port) requests.
Transshipment cargoTemporary storage fees will be charged at $25/TEU/day from the date of unloading. Electricity fees for refrigerated containers will be charged separately.
Jeddah Port
Container unloading from February 28 to May 31For containers not yet picked up, the free period will be automatically extended to 15 days. The deadline for container pickup is June 5th (which expires today), and the standard free period will resume on June 6th.
Unloading of containers on or after March 26Extended service packages are available for purchase: Local $100/container (8 days), Cross-border $240/container (8 days).
Export end
Starting March 26, Merchant Haulage cross-border export containers will be offered a 15-day free container period, applicable to containers with a PCD date of April 30 or earlier.
Impact on shippers
The Hormuz disruption has entered its fourth month, and D&D costs continue to weigh on shippers. Shippers using Salalah/Jebel Ali/Jeddah as transit or destination should pay attention to the following:
- Pick up your containers as soon as they arrive at the port to avoid missing the extension window.
- For Salalah/Jeddah containers unloaded after March 26th, assess whether to purchase deferred packages.
- For transshipment goods, please note that Jebel Ali storage fees may apply.
See details Maersk Official Announcement.