Middle East Operational Update 8

We are closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East and would like to provide you with an update on what it means for your shipments and our services across the region. As conditions develop, we are taking proactive measures to protect our people, safety, safeguard cargo integrity and maintain the stability of our network.

Please note that the following information is subject to change due to the highly volatile situation in the region.

Ocean Update 

The following decisions are being implemented:

Limitations on Dangerous Goods Cargo to Israel:

Existing bookings and cargo in transit 

Due to the volatility of the ongoing situation, there is a need for alternative solutions to bringing your cargo to final destination, including finding alternative routing and storage in transit. To do this, we are adding an Emergency Freight rate on cargo loading from or destined to ports in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia (Damman & Jubail), Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman (except Salalah). It is based on your container category and subject to required regulatory approvals. See below:

Why are we implementing this

We are implementing this Emergency Freight rate to arrange alternative routing to final destination including finding potential storage solutions, additional charters and so forth. This fee includes transportation from temporary storage to final destination, when safe to complete the voyage. 

Please note that that due to the fluidity of this situation, the Emergency Freight rate may be adjusted.

Options for cargo on route:

We will do our utmost to support you through this disruption and avoid termination of voyage. To facilitate this, we have the following options for you to choose from:

Should we not hear from you regarding your impacted cargo on or before 21 March 2026, we will contact you for termination of voyage. Please ensure that you reach out to our teams to ensure that your cargo is handled accordingly.

Returning of empty container in region

Until further notice, for import shipments into UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia (Dammam, Jubail), Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq and Oman (Duqm), empty containers will not be accepted for return at their usual locations. Instead, please return empties to the following designated locations only:

1. Designated empty‑return depots:

1. Oman -- Salalah & Sohar
2. Saudi Arabia -- Jeddah

2. Impacted import countries (no returns accepted for now): UAE; Qatar; Saudi Arabia (Dammam, Jubail); Bahrain; Kuwait; Iraq; Oman (Duqm).

Detention & Demurrage

The local D&D tariff applicable at the designated return locations, subject to local laws, can be found here https://www.maersk.com/local-information/imea.

If cross‑border return to a designated location is unlawful or materially prevented by authorities, please contact your Maersk representative within 7 days of this notice so we can agree with a compliant interim solution and the applicable D&D handling.

Maersk Cargo Insurance continues to offer cover per policy terms across the Middle East, however the situation is under close and ongoing review.  A number of insurance companies have reduced or withdrawn coverage for shipments into the Red Sea, Gulf of Oman and Persian Gulf regions, particularly with respect to insurance coverage on the vessels themselves, and Maersk is also reducing operations in the region (find the latest Maersk operational update here).  This may reduce options to ship into the region, however as and when operations resume, Maersk Cargo Insurance will endeavour to be available to insure your cargo interests.

Fuel Update

Whilst it is our assessment that there is currently sufficient fuel globally, it is unevenly distributed. We are proactively redistributing fuel to ensure vessels can continue to bunker where needed and keep our ocean network running without interruptions. To do so, we have seen no other alternative than to implement a temporary Emergency Bunker Surcharge (EBS). This surcharge covers the impact of fuel availability, cost and mix outside of what is covered in our Fossil Fuel Fee (FFF); this means we are better positioned to have the necessary access to fuel and the ability to move it to necessary locations.

EBS DRY+ Special Equipment + NOR

EBS REEF

• The EBS will apply globally without exception from 25 March 2026 (price calculation date), subject to regulatory approvals.
• The EBS will be monitored every 14 days and adjusted if relevant —upwards or downwards—based on fuel availability, cost and mix.
• Updated levels will be published on maersk.com.

For more information on this: Maersk Emergency Bunker Surcharge (EBS) 2026

Air Update 

Air cargo operations in the Middle East remain impacted by ongoing airspace restrictions and security measures. While some airlines have begun gradually resuming limited services, overall capacity in the region remains constrained as carriers continue to adjust schedules and reroute flights to avoid affected airspace. These changes are contributing to cargo backlogs and longer transit times across multiple trade lanes. In addition, airlines have begun increasing Fuel Surcharges (FSC) and applying War Risk Surcharges in response to rising operating costs and the evolving security situation, leading to increased volatility in air freight rates. Maersk continues to closely monitor the situation and work with airline partners to mitigate disruptions where possible.

Ports update

Salalah: We can confirm an ongoing incident near to the general cargo terminal. The staff is following the established evacuation protocol, and the terminal is working with the authorities to manage the situation and keep all people safe. All operations have been paused until further notice.

Conditions at other ports remain the same.

Landside update

Landside services like trucking, rail, and warehousing remain operational across the region. Customers should expect possible border congestion, customs delays, and variable transit times. Alternative routes and stricter security may cause schedule changes and cost shifts. The situation is being monitored for quick response and efficient management.

We will continue to keep you updated on the situation, via our Red Sea / Gulf of Aden / Hormuz Strait situation page. Should you have further questions please do not hesitate to reach out to your local Maersk representative. Our teams are on hand to support with your planning, should you need any assistance.