Maersk will temporarily suspend services connecting the Far East and Middle East to Europe due to the escalating security situation in the Gulf region. The carrier will also suspend shuttle services in the Gulf.
The company will suspend the FM1 service connecting Far East to Middle East and the ME11 service connecting Middle East to Europe. Maersk made the decision as a precautionary measure to ensure personnel and vessel safety while minimizing operational disruption.
The final westbound sailing on FM1 will be Vung Tau Express voyage 607W. The vessel departed Xingang on February 15 and will phase out at Tanjung Pelepas on March 9.
The final westbound sailing on ME11 will be Astrid Maersk voyage 609W. The vessel will load at Mundra on April 3 and phase out at Salalah on March 13.
Containers currently on board Vung Tau Express and Maersk Emden, plus bookings already gated in for onward vessels, will receive further communication once discharge and contingency plans are finalized.
Maersk is finalizing timing and vessel details for the final eastbound voyages on ME11 and FM1.
The carrier confirmed that shuttle services in the Gulf region are suspended until further notice.
The ME1 service covering Middle East to Northern Europe will temporarily drop the Jebel Ali call. The service will continue calling India and Oman. The new rotation will be Mundra, Nhava Sheva, Salalah, Port Tangier, Rotterdam, Wilhelmshaven, Hamburg, and London Gateway. The previous rotation included Jebel Ali before Mundra.
Maersk said it is closely monitoring the evolving security situation. The company conducted a risk assessment and operational review before making the decision. The escalating conflict affects safe navigation in the Gulf region.
