Maersk Operations updates on situation in the Middle East

02 March, 2026

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.

Ocean Update

We are taking operational measure to ensure the safety of our personnel, safeguard your cargo and maintain service stability across affected trade in the Middle East. Following our latest risk assessment and operational review, the following decisions are being implemented:

• Effective immediately, we are suspending reefer, dangerous / special cargo acceptance in and out of UAE, Oman, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia until further notice.
• Effective immediately, we are suspending all new bookings between the India Subcontinent (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka) and the Upper Gulf markets of UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia (Dammam and Jubail only). This suspension does not apply to other trade corridors.

Air Update

As the situation continues to evolve, several countries like the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, and Iran have announced the temporary suspension of their air spaces. Additionally, as a precautionary measure, airlines have also cancelled or re-routed their flights through the region. The reduced flight options and lastminute carrier schedule changes may result in delays or extended transit times. Impact on sea‑ports and ocean operations may also contribute to extended lead times, particularly for Sea‑Air volumes connecting through the affected hubs. Furthermore, ground movement at the airports and cargo terminals, such as cargo handovers, acceptance, and processing, may be affected where local restrictions or staff shortages occur.

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.

Existing bookings and cargo in transit

Confirmed bookings accepted prior to this advisory will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis in light of the current operational constraints. Cargo already in transit remains under active operational management. Our teams will continue to monitor movements closely and contact customers directly should any adjustments or further actions be required. We encourage our customers to engage with their local Maersk representative to explore alternative gateway options, adjusted routing structures or inland solutions outside the impacted zones, where operationally feasible. Our teams remain focused on identifying workable solutions while prioritizing safety and operational resilience.

01 March, 2026

Rerouting of ME11 and MECL Service around the Cape of Good Hope

Due to the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East region following the escalating military conflict, we have decided – in close coordination with our security partners – to pause future Trans Suez sailings through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait for the time being.

Until further, all sailings on the ME11 (Middle East-India to Mediterranean) and MECL (Middle East-India to East Coast US) services will be rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope. The safety of our crews, vessels and customers’ cargo remains our key priority and we will continue to monitor the situation closely and take all needed actions. We remain committed to minimising the impact on our customers’ supply chains and will continue to keep them updated on the situation.

Once the situation stabilises and the security situation again permits, we will continue to prioritise the Trans-Suez route for ME11 and MECL services as it is the fastest, most sustainable and most efficient way for us to serve our customers.

Cargo acceptance for the Middle East area remains open.

Sailing through the Strait of Hormuz
The safety of our crews, vessels and customers’ cargo remains our key priority. We are suspending all vessel crossings in the Strait of Hormuz until further notice. As a result, services calling ports in the Arabian Gulf may experience delays, rerouting, or schedule adjustments.

28 February, 2026

We are following the escalating military conflict in the Middle East very closely, and we are coordinating with our security partners on all operations in the area. The safety of our people, assets and customers’ cargo remain our key priority and we will continue to monitor the situation and take all needed actions.

We remain committed to minimising the impact on our customers’ supply chains and have activated contingency plans. The situation remains fluid with impact on air cargo operations and some terminal disruptions in the region. For the time being we expect any decisions made on vessel routings to be made on a vessel-by-vessel basis.

We will continue to keep customers updated on the situation and inform about any specific changes as soon as possible.

Cargo acceptance for the Middle East area remains open.