Shipping and air freight operations across the Middle East are facing unprecedented disruption as escalating security concerns continue to impact global trade routes. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has created significant operational challenges for carriers, shippers, and logistics providers alike.

Strait of Hormuz Closure
Iran has effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints. As a result, container vessels are being forced to turn back or anchor for safety, leaving at least 150 ships stranded, including approximately 170 containerships, representing around 450,000 TEU. In addition, multiple tankers have been damaged, and tragically, a seafarer has lost their life.

Port Disruptions and Security Measures
The ripple effects extend across regional ports. Jebel Ali in Dubai has suspended operations following a fire incident within the port, and security measures have been heightened across Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, and other Gulf ports. These measures aim to safeguard personnel and vessels but are contributing to delays and operational uncertainty.

Alternative Discharge Ports
To alleviate some of the disruption, ports such as Salalah and Khor Fakkan are reopening and emerging as key alternatives for container discharge. Export bookings to Jeddah, Aqaba, and Salalah are beginning to resume. Shippers are advised to contact their logistics teams for options and pricing to secure available capacity.

Air Cargo Impact
Air freight between Asia and Europe is also heavily affected. With traditional Gulf transit routes disrupted, viable alternatives currently include routing via the United States or through Chinese carriers operating over Russian airspace. These adjustments are critical to maintaining supply chain continuity but may result in extended transit times.

Port Backlog, Congestion, and Rerouting
The closure of key Gulf ports is creating a growing backlog of containers, with delays expected to extend beyond the region. Congestion is likely to spread to major transshipment hubs such as Singapore, Colombo, and Tanjung Pelepas due to vessel diversions. Some carriers may reroute vessels around Africa via the Cape of Good Hope, potentially adding 20 or more days to transit times.

Service Suspensions and Surcharges
Many shipping lines have temporarily suspended bookings in and out of UAE, Oman, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. Certain services are now reopening, including Sudan, though shipments are expected to carry War Risk Surcharge (WRS) and Emergency Conflict Surcharge (ECS). WRS and ECS levels are being communicated by carriers, with current war risk premiums expected to settle around USD 1,500–2,000 per TEU.

Reliability and Outlook
Given the dynamic and evolving nature of the situation, schedule reliability cannot be guaranteed. Shippers should prepare for delays, operational adjustments, and potential surcharges at short notice. Carriers and logistics providers are closely monitoring developments and working to identify alternative solutions, but uncertainty is expected to persist in the coming weeks.