The Danish shipping companyMaerskhas announced the implementation of an urgent increase in freight as a consequence of the escalation of security risks in the Middle East and the effective closure of theStrait of Hormuz, one of the main maritime arteries of global trade.
The company has explained that, given the impossibility of ships safely transiting the area, service flows in the Middle East corridors have been severely disrupted. To protect cargo and maintain operational continuity, Maersk has implemented contingency measures, including alternative routes and operational adjustments, which has resulted in a significant increase in costs.
As a result, the shipping company has decided to apply an Emergency Freight Increase (EFI). The surcharge will be $1,800 per 20-foot dry container; $3,000 for 40 and 45-foot dry and high cube containers; and $3,800 for refrigerated containers and special cargoes of 20 and 40 feet. The measure is subject to applicable regulatory approvals, and in the case of exports from China, it will be implemented in accordance with SSE regulations. The increase will apply to traffic to and from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia —particularly the ports of Dammam and Jubail—, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, and Oman (Sohar). Generally speaking, it is effective from March 2, 2026, except for Sohar (Oman), where it came into effect on March 3.
The measure will affect all reservations that have not yet been shipped, cargo already in transit that has not been unloaded or loaded at the affected ports, as well as future shipments from the date of entry into force. However, it will not apply to goods that only transship at such ports.
Likewise, the company has indicated that export cargo will be exempt if the last departure of the ship from any of the impacted ports occurred before February 27, 2026. In rotations with multiple stops at affected ports, the final departure date of the last one will be used as a reference.
Maersk has specified that this decision is made under Clause 20 of its bill of lading, which allows for the modification or termination of the transportation contract under certain circumstances. Consequently, the new freight levels will apply immediately to all shipments that are in the possession or control of the carrier. The company has assured that it continues to closely monitor the evolution of the situation and will keep its customers informed, to whom it recommends contacting their local representatives to discuss the impact on their shipments and plan logistical alternatives during this period of high instability.
Maersk suspends services and bookings in the Middle East
On the other hand, the shipping company halts the acceptance of reefer and dangerous cargo in several Gulf countries. The Danish company has announced new operational measures in response to the evolving security situation in the area, aimed at protecting its personnel, safeguarding the integrity of the cargo, and maintaining the stability of its logistics network in the region.
The shipping company has warned that the information is subject to changes due to the high volatility of the current context. Following a recent risk assessment and operational review, Maersk has decided to suspend until further notice the acceptance of refrigerated (reefer) cargo, dangerous goods, and special cargoes originating from or destined for the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. However, exceptions will be made for critical food, medicines, and other essential goods.
Likewise, the company has suspended all new bookings between the Indian subcontinent —India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka— and the Upper Gulf markets, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia (limited to Dammam and Jubail). This restriction does not affect other trade corridors. Meanwhile, Maersk has stopped accepting dangerous goods to and from Israel until further notice, although other cargo with that country remains operational.
Regarding the port situation, the company reports that terminals in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq remain fully operational. In Kuwait, the port of Shuwaik is functioning normally, while in Shuaiba operations have partially resumed. The port of Bahrain has suspended its activity. In Oman, Sohar continues to operate normally.