Container News provides ongoing updates on container shipping carriers’ responses to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. This coverage tracks operational adjustments, service suspensions, route diversions, war risk surcharges, insurance implications, and port developments affecting trade flows, particularly in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
The article will be updated regularly as new carrier announcements and industry developments emerge.
MSC
28/02/2026:
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.
05/03/2026
MSC as announced new surcharges on several trade lanes as the evolving security situation in the Middle East continues to disrupt maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, including War Surcharge and War Risk Surcharge.
05/03/2026
MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company has introduced new logistics options for inland cargo moving to Iraq, offering competitive transit times from Asia via Türkiye.
10/03/2026
MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company has outlined alternative logistics solutions for inland cargo shipments to the Gulf region in response to the current security situation in the Middle East. The carrier said it is offering customers additional routing options designed to maintain cargo flows to key Gulf destinations despite ongoing regional disruptions.
CMA CGM
28/02/2026 & 01/02/2026
The group stated that the safety and security of its crews remain its top priority and confirmed that all vessels currently operating in the Gulf region, as well as those bound for Gulf ports, have been instructed to proceed to designated shelter areas until further notice.In addition, CMA CGM has suspended passage through the Suez Canal.
02/03/2026
CMA CGM has decided to stop all Dangerous Goods (DG) and Hazardous bookings with immediate effect until further notice.
03/03/2026
CMA CGM has announced an immediate suspension of all bookings for several countries in the region.
04/03/2026
CMA CGM has introduced emergency operational measures for shipments to and from several Middle East countries due to the evolving security situation in the region.
05/03/2026
Due to escalating conflict in the Middle East, ANL / CMA CGM is temporarily diverting vessels and implementing contingency measures for cargo to ensure safety and continuity.
07/03/2026
CMA CGM will introduce an Emergency Fuel Surcharge (EFS) following a sharp rise in global fuel prices linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Near and Middle East.
12/03/2026
CNC, part of the CMA CGM Group, has reopened import and export bookings across the Middle East with immediate effect.
12/03/2026
CMA CGM reopens export and import bookings for Middle East
18/03/2026
CMA CGM has announced revised Emergency Fuel Surcharge (EFS) levels following a sharp increase in fuel costs driven by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Near and Middle East.
19/03/2026
CMA CGM has deployed emergency multimodal transport solutions to maintain supply chains in the United Arab Emirates and northern Gulf region, while avoiding transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
20/03/2026
CMA CGM has announced an Inland Emergency Fuel Surcharge (IEFS) for the Middle East, as rising fuel costs continue to impact supply chains.
The surcharge will take effect from March 23, 2026.
OCEAN NETWORK EXPRESS (ONE)
02/03/2026
Ocean Network Express (ONE) has temporarily suspended acceptance of new bookings for cargo moving to and from the Persian Gulf, citing the rapidly evolving security situation in the Middle East.
06/03/2026
Ocean Network Express (ONE) has announced an Emergency Surcharge (EMS) for shipments to and from Red Sea and Persian Gulf countries. The surcharge addresses ongoing security risks, operational disruptions, and port congestion in the Middle East. It is effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice.
10/03/2026
Ocean Network Express (ONE) has announced operational adjustments across several shipping routes in response to escalating security challenges in the Middle East, including the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
11/03/2026
ONE has announced the implementation of an Emergency Fuel Surcharge (EFS) following operational disruptions linked to the ongoing security situation in the Middle East.
12/03/2026
ONE is introducing temporary rules for empty container returns. They apply to all import shipments into UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, and Oman. The rules are effective immediately and remain in force until further notice.
18/03/2026
Ocean Network Express (ONE) has announced the implementation of an Emergency Inland Fuel Premium (IFP) in response to ongoing disruptions linked to the security situation in the Middle East.
20/03/2026
Ocean Network Express (ONE) will implement an Inland Haulage Fee (IHD inbound / IHL outbound) as an emergency fuel surcharge. This applies to all shipments moving to or from Canada and the United States inland.
MAERSK
28/02/2026
Maersk confirmed that it is diverting its ME11 and MECL services around the Cape of Good Hope instead of transiting the Red Sea.
02/03/2026
Maersk is implementing immediate service suspensions across the Middle East in response to the rapidly evolving regional situation.
04/03/2026
Maersk has announced an emergency freight increase for shipments to and from several Middle East ports following the escalation of security risks in the region and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
06/03/2026
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.
09/03/2026
Maersk has announced temporary changes to empty container return procedures for several Gulf countries.
11/03/2026
Maersk has announced changes to the Emergency Contingency Surcharge (ECS) affecting shipments from North America and Central and West Coast South America to key ports in the Middle East.
16/03/2026
Maersk has announced temporary changes to empty container return procedures in several Middle East markets.
16/03/2026
Maersk has announced adjustments to its Emergency Contingency Surcharge (ECS) for cargo moving from multiple global origins to key ports in the Middle East.
20/03/2026
Maersk has released a new operational update as tensions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to disrupt regional logistics.
The company is implementing emergency measures to protect crews, cargo, and supply chains. Conditions remain volatile, and updates may change quickly.
COSCO
02/03/2026
The carrier said it is closely monitoring developments and maintaining communication with relevant authorities, emphasizing that the safety of crews, vessels and cargo remains its highest priority.
04/03/2026
COSCO SHIPPING LINES has suspended acceptance of new bookings on several Middle East routes following the escalation of regional conflicts and restrictions affecting maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
HAPAG-LLOYD
28/02/2026
Hapag-Lloyd has suspended all vessel transits through the Strait of Hormuz until further notice.
02/03/2026
Hapag-Lloyd has suspended Trans-Suez sailings on its IMX service and will reroute vessels around the Cape of Good Hope
Hapag-Lloyd will implement a War Risk Surcharge (WRS) for cargo moving to and from the Upper Gulf, Arabian Gulf and Persian Gulf.
04/03/2026
Hapag-Lloyd has implemented a booking stop for cargo moving to and from several Upper Gulf countries due to ongoing operational and security constraints in the region.
Hapag-Lloyd will implement a Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) on shipments moving from the Far East to the Upper Gulf, Persian Gulf and Arabian Gulf.
05/03/2026
Hapag-Lloyd has announced contingency procedures for shipments linked to several Gulf countries as the security situation in and around the Upper Gulf continues to affect vessel movements and port operations.
06/03/2026
Hapag-Lloyd will temporarily adjust its AGX, IMX and IOS services due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The carrier will introduce a new SE4 service to ensure continued reliability and operational stability.
06/03/2026
Hapag-Lloyd will suspend the OGS, UG2 and UGS services until further notice, due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its impact on regional operations.
06/03/2026
Hapag-Lloyd has announced the temporary suspension of its IG1 and KWF services due to the worsening security situation in the Upper Gulf region, which continues to disrupt vessel movements and port operations.
12/03/2026
Hapag-Lloyd has announced an immediate suspension of all Dangerous Goods (DG) bookings for several major ports in the Red Sea.
EVERGREEN
02/03/2026
Evergreen Marine Corporation said it is closely monitoring developments in the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz and has implemented enhanced navigation safety, flexible routing and contingency plans to safeguard crews, vessels and cargo.
05/03/2026
Evergreen Marine Corporation has suspended acceptance of new bookings for a number of Middle East ports as the security situation in the region continues to evolve.
YANG MING
02/03/2026
Yang Ming said recent regional developments are affecting operations on certain Middle East services and ports, potentially leading to schedule delays or route adjustments.
Cargo acceptance on the impacted services has been temporarily suspended, with updates on existing bookings and operational changes to be communicated as more information becomes available.
OOCL
03/03/2026
OOCL said that following the recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East and restrictions on maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, its operated vessels have been instructed to maintain a safe distance from the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz areas.
05/03/2026
OOCL has suspended new cargo bookings to Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Iraq and the UAE due to escalating security risks in the Strait of Hormuz.
Regional Container Lines (RCL)
03/03/2026
Regional Container Lines (RCL) has announced a General Rate Increase (GRI) for cargo moving to and from the Middle East, Arabian Gulf and Persian Gulf as it continues to monitor the evolving security situation around the Strait of Hormuz.
05/03/2026
Regional Container Lines (RCL) has issued two customer advisories announcing End of Voyage declarations at the ports of Sohar and Khor Fakkan due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East and growing security risks affecting maritime operations.
09/03/2026
RCL is ending the voyages for two specific ships immediately. This decision follows the sudden escalation of war in the Middle East. Because these volatile circumstances remain beyond its control, the carrier will stop these vessels at intermediary ports.
12/03/2026
Regional Container Lines (RCL) has declared an immediate End of Voyage for three more vessels, citing the heightened escalation of war in the Middle East.
HMM
05/03/2026
HMM has alerted customers to possible disruptions to its maritime services as tensions and security risks escalate in the Middle East, particularly around the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
11/03/2026
HMM has announced a deviation for cargo linked to the Middle East region due to the deteriorating security situation around the Strait of Hormuz and nearby waters.
WAN HAI LINES
05/03/2026
Wan Hai Lines has issued a service advisory for shipments involving the Middle East following the escalation of military actions between the United States and Israel against Iran, which has created an increasingly unpredictable security environment in the region.
13/03/2026
Wan Hai Lines has announced contingency arrangements affecting cargo currently carried on two of its vessels as the security situation in the Middle East continues to deteriorate.
20/03/2026
Wan Hai Lines will apply a Rate Restoration (RR) on Asia trades effective April 1, 2026, citing rising operating costs linked to the ongoing situation in the Middle East.
Neptune Pacific Direct Line (NPDL)
06/03/2026
Neptune Pacific Direct Line (NPDL) has announced the temporary suspension of new bookings to and from Gulf and other Middle East destinations, effective immediately, due to the ongoing conflict in the region.
MAJOR NEWS
Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Fatalities and insurance pull halt shipping
Malta-flagged container ship struck by missile in Strait of Hormuz
Hapag-Lloyd container vessel hit by projectile fragments near Strait of Hormuz
Global powers reject Trump’s call for naval coalition in Strait of Hormuz
