Global shipping faces a dual crisis. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has closed the Strait of Hormuz after joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Hormuz shutdown: no passage permitted
The IRGC announced a full blockade of the strait. Iranian naval forces are broadcasting that no ship can pass under any circumstances, according to Reuters. The move traps vessels inside the Persian Gulf and cuts off major hubs such as Jebel Ali from global ocean trade.
There is no maritime alternative to the Persian Gulf. The closure creates an immediate deadlock for energy and container flows.
Maersk and CMA CGM divert services
Major container lines have reversed plans to return to the Suez Canal in 2026.
Maersk confirmed that it is diverting its ME11 and MECL services around the Cape of Good Hope instead of transiting the Red Sea.
CMA CGM has also escalated its response. The carrier has instructed all vessels inside or bound for the Persian Gulf to proceed immediately to shelter. In addition, CMA CGM has suspended all Suez Canal transits until further notice, with ships now rerouting via the Cape of Good Hope.
Hapag-Lloyd suspends Strait of Hormuz transits
Hapag-Lloyd has suspended all vessel transits through the Strait of Hormuz until further notice.
The carrier said the decision is mandatory due to the evolving security situation and official closure of the waterway. It stressed that crew, vessel and cargo safety remain its highest priority.
Hapag-Lloyd is monitoring developments closely and remains in contact with authorities and security partners.
Services calling ports in the Arabian Gulf may face delays, rerouting or schedule changes. The company said it is working to minimise disruption and will inform customers of any material shipment updates.
MSC suspends Middle East bookings
MSC has suspended worldwide cargo bookings to the Middle East and instructed vessels in the Gulf region to seek safe shelter areas due to the evolving security situation affecting maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb.
The carrier said the precautionary measures were taken to safeguard crews and protect operations as restrictions and instability continue to impact navigation in the region.
All MSC vessels currently operating in the Gulf, as well as those en route, have been directed to proceed to designated safe shelter areas until further notice.
In parallel, MSC has temporarily halted acceptance of new bookings for cargo destined for the Middle East. The company stated that bookings will resume once the security situation improves.
Full Corridor Disruption
The situation now affects the entire Middle East maritime corridor:
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Strait of Hormuz closed
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Persian Gulf shelter orders
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Suez Canal transits suspended
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Red Sea security risks ongoing.
Carriers are no longer making selective diversions. They are executing full regional withdrawals.
Impact on global trade
The blockade creates a critical bottleneck across energy and container markets.
Port congestion: Major hubs such as Jebel Ali are effectively cut off. Vessels inside the Gulf cannot sail out. New arrivals cannot enter.
Rerouting: Carriers will likely discharge cargo at alternative regional ports. Operators will then move shipments onward by road where infrastructure allows.
Longer transits: Diversions around the Cape of Good Hope add roughly 10–14 days to most Asia–Europe and Asia–US East Coast routes.
Shippers now face longer lead times, higher fuel costs and mounting schedule disruption. With no immediate maritime workaround, supply chains must prepare for extended diversions around Africa for the remainder of the year.
