Strait of Hormuz Closure – Emergency Freight Increase for World to/from UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia (Damam and Jubail), Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq and Oman (Sohar)

Dear Customer,  

Due to the escalation of security risks in the Middle East region and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, vessels are currently unable to safely transit the area. As a result, service flows across the Middle East corridors have been significantly disrupted. 

In order to safeguard cargo and maintain continuity of service, we have implemented contingency measures across the affected routes, including alternative routings and operational adjustments. As such, it has been necessary to implement an emergency freight increase to cover these constraints and increased operating costs.

Emergency Freight Increase

*Subject to any required regulatory approvals. 
China Exports to be implemented in accordance with SSE regulations

Scope of application 
Trade Coverage: From World to/from UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia (Damam and Jubail), Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Oman (Sohar)

Bookings Already Placed / Cargo in Transit / New Bookings
As of 02 March 2026, this freight increase will be payable by the freight paying party for all ports except Oman–Sohar.For Oman–Sohar, the increase will apply as of 03 March 2026. This means the scope of application will be:

• All bookings that have not yet shipped
• Cargo already on the water but not yet discharged or loaded to/from UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia (Damam and Jubail), Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Iraq. 
• Shipments not yet loaded to/from the above destinations
• Applicable for all future bookings from 02 March 2026 (exception for Oman, which is 03 March 2026)
• Not applicable to cargo that is only transhipping through these ports 
• Export cargo will be exempt from the Emergency Freight Increase if the vessel’s last departure from any of the impacted ports occurred before 27 February 2026. If the vessel called multiple impacted ports on its rotation; the determining factor will be the final sailing date from the last impacted port.

Due to the ongoing instability in the Strait of Hormuz, the Carrier hereby notifies that an increase to ocean freight rates will be applied under individual service contracts. This adjustment is made pursuant to Clause 20 of the Carrier’s Bill of Lading, which permits the modification or termination of the contract of carriage under specified circumstances.
 Freight levels for these shipments will be updated to reflect the increased operational costs arising from the closure of Strait of Hormuz. 
In accordance with its contractual rights under Clause 20, the Carrier will implement this increase with immediate effect
 
The revised ocean freight rates will apply to all shipments currently in the Carrier’s possession or control.

We are continuing to monitor the situation closely and remain committed to keeping you informed of further developments. Your local Maersk representative is available to discuss the impact on your shipments and support alternative planning where required.

We appreciate your understanding and continued partnership during this period of heightened disruption.

Looking for more information?  
We will continue to keep you updated on the situation, via our Red Sea / Gulf of Aden / Hormuz Strait situation page. Should you have further questions please do not hesitate to reach out to your local Maersk representative. Our teams are on hand to support with your planning, should you need any assistance.
 
Yours sincerely,  
 
Maersk