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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
