In its latest customer notification, Maersk stated that the situation in the Middle East is "highly uncertain," and shipping restrictions in the Persian Gulf region will remain in place. The affected countries include Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Booking restrictions for refrigerated containers, dangerous goods, and special cargo remain unchanged, and bookings for some dry goods also remain restricted.
Maersk has also added an Emergency Freight Surcharge, with the following rates: $1,800 for a 20-foot container, $3,000 for a 40-foot container, and $3,800 for refrigerated containers, special and dangerous goods.
Goods currently transit through the ports of Salalah and Khor Fakkan in Oman before being delivered to their destinations by land and regional feeder vessels. This alternative route bypasses the direct risks of the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, but the increased transit points lengthen the overall transit time.
The insurance situation is also tightening. Some insurers have reduced or even withdrawn their coverage in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Oman, and the Persian Gulf, which means that even if cargo owners find available space, insurance costs and difficulties in obtaining insurance are increasing.
Maersk reserved the right to "abandon the shipment" in the notice—the cargo may be refused if the risks of the route exceed what the company can accept.
For sellers using the Persian Gulf route, the key tasks are clear: confirm cargo space in advance, calculate the impact of surcharges on costs, and assess the likelihood of insurance renewal. The latest details of freight and surcharges can be found on CZL.
- Shipping cost inquiry: https://exp.czl.net/fee
- Surcharge inquiry: https://exp.czl.net/surcharges
source:Maersk keeps Gulf restrictions in place despite Hormuz reopening push