Maersk establishes temporary measures for the return of empty containers in the Middle East

The shipping company Maerskhas announced the implementation of temporary measures for the return of empty containers in the ports of the Middle East due to the changing situation affecting navigation and port operations in theHormuz Strait. The decision aims to protect the safety of its ships, crews, and cargo, and will be in effect from this moment until further notice.Starting now, empty containers intended for imports to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia (Jubail), Iraq, and Oman (Duqm) cannot be returned at their usual locations. Instead, they must be delivered only at the designated depots in Oman, in Salalah and Sohar, and in Saudi Arabia, in Jeddah. In the United Arab Emirates, in Abu Dhabi, limited acceptance will only be allowed through commercial transport and with an additional delivery charge of $600 for a 20-foot container and $1,200 for a 40-foot container.For containers already unloaded with delivery orders, if the location indicated in the order accepts empty containers at the time of return, they can be delivered there; otherwise, Maersk will provide instructions to deliver them to a designated alternative depot.These measures fall within the contractual terms of the company, which state that customers must return containers to the location or port indicated by Maersk, or to an alternative one in case the original is under "no acceptance of empties." The same applies to destination changes requested by customers.Additionally, if the return to a designated depot is restricted by the authorities, customers must contact their Maersk representative within seven days to agree on a temporary solution and define how charges will apply, which will be governed by the local regulations of the return depot.Maersk warns that these measures are subject to change as the operational and security situation in the area evolves. The company urges customers to regularly check their contingency page for the Middle East and to contact their local representatives for assistance with return instructions, documentation, and handling exceptions, providing the corresponding bill of lading numbers.