Middle East Operational Update 11

Updates on returning of empties and changes to cargo booking

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.

Cargo Booking updates:

Limitations on Dangerous Goods Cargo to Israel:

Returning of Empty Containers update:

Returning of empty container in region

In light of the evolving situation affecting navigation and port operations in and around the Strait of Hormuz, and in order to protect the safety of our vessels, crews and your cargo, Maersk is implementing temporary empty-container return arrangements.

Effective immediately and until further notice, for existing and new import shipments into the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia (Jubail), Iraq and Oman (Duqm), empty containers will not be accepted at their usual return locations.

Instead, empties should be returned only to the designated depots listed below.

Designated empty return depots:

• Oman – Salalah
• Saudi Arabia – Jeddah

Limited acceptance with Drop off (DRP) charges please refer to the table below

For containers already discharged where Delivery Orders have been issued:

1. If the DO states a return location that is in “empty acceptance” status at gate‑in, return may be made to that stated location.
2. If the stated location is not accepting empties at the time of return, Maersk will issue an updated instruction to an available designated depot

For more info see here: https://www.maersk.com/news/articles/2026/03/17/hormuz-closure-empty-returns-suspension-update-march

Ocean Update 

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.

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

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has had a considerable impact on the international fuel market. As a result, many refineries within the region are either offline or operating at reduced capacity, and export ability is very limited. This circumstance has led to substantial disruptions in global fuel supply chains.

Maersk remains dedicated to maintaining service reliability and ensuring stable operations for our customers during this challenging period. To preserve network stability, we have undertaken significant redistribution of fuels to offset shortages in the Middle East, and are securing alternative sources from different locations, suppliers, and at increased premiums.

In response to notable fluctuations in fuel supply and the additional costs of distribution, we will be introducing an Emergency Bunker Surcharge (EBS). These exceptional expenses fall outside standard FFF adjustments; therefore, implementing the Emergency Bunker Surcharge is essential to support operational continuity and strengthen customers’ supply chain resilience.

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 

Due to ongoing developments in the Middle East, global aviation fuel markets are experiencing volatility, causing operational disruptions in air logistics.

As jet fuel prices rise, Fuel Surcharges (FSC) will increase and be reviewed weekly, based on market indices. For contract renewals without an FSC, 15% of the rate will be allocated to fuel.
Additionally, a Transit Disruption Surcharge (TDS) will be introduced to cover extra costs from capacity constraints and rerouting. Customers will be notified in advance of any changes.
The situation remains fluid, and we will continue to keep you updated on any market changes affecting costs or operations.

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.