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Dear Customer,
e are closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East and would like to provide you with an update on what it means for your shipments and our services across the region. As conditions develop, we are taking proactive measures to protect our people, safety, safeguard cargo integrity and maintain the stability of our network.
Please note that the following information is subject to change due to the highly volatile situation in the region.
Ocean Update
We are taking operational measure to ensure the safety of our personnel, safeguard your cargo and maintain service stability across affected trades in the Middle East. Following our latest risk assessment and operational review, the following decisions are being implemented:
Ocean Update
We are taking operational measure to ensure the safety of our personnel, safeguard your cargo and maintain service stability across affected trades in the Middle East. Following our latest risk assessment and operational review, the following decisions are being implemented:
Cargo Type
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Cargo booking:
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Reefer
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Suspension of all bookings to and from the UAE, Oman, Iraq, Kuwait, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia
The suspension applies to cargo originating from, destined for, or transhipping through these countries (exception Salalah transhipment to non-upper gulf Countries or between non-upper gulf countries, or between non-upper Gulf countries, for example shipping from Seychelles to Turkey, transshipping in Salalah).
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DG
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Suspension of all bookings to and from the UAE, Oman, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. Suspension on DG to Israel is applicable on some UN numbers. See the below table for more information on the this
The suspension applies to cargo originating from, destined for, or transhipping through these countries (exception Salalah transhipment to non-upper gulf Countries or between non-upper gulf countries, or between non-upper Gulf countries, for example shipping from Seychelles to Turkey, transshipping in Salalah).
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OOG/In-gauge
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Suspension of all bookings to and from the UAE, Oman, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia
The suspension applies to cargo originating from, destined for, or transhipping through these countries (exception Salalah transhipment to non-upper gulf Countries or between non-upper gulf countries, or between non-upper Gulf countries, for example shipping from Seychelles to Turkey, transshipping in Salalah).
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Dry cargo
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Suspension of all booking to/from UAE, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia (Dammam & Al Jubail), Oman (Sohar) & Bahrain. *
*Shipments that contain critical foodstuff, medicine and perishable goods, we will do our utmost to ensure special attention is given.
We accept bookings to /From Saudi Arabia (Jeddah & King Abdullah port), Jordan & Oman (Salalah), Lebanon and Israel
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MLL
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All above restrictions are not applicable for MLL operator bookings.
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Limitations on Dangerous Goods Cargo to Israel:
Port
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Stage
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Class
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UN Numbers
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ILHFA, ILASD
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Export, Transshipment, Transit, Import
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1,2.3, 2.1, 5.2
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1942, 1971, 2067, 2426, 3375, 1051, 1092, 1098, 1131, 1143, 1163, 1182, 1185, 1238, 1239, 1244, 1251, 1259, 1380, 1510, 1560, 1580, 1583, 1605, 1613, 1614, 1695, 1994, 2075, 2232, 2249, 2334, 2382, 2480, 2481, 2484, 2485, 2606, 2644, 3079, 3287, 1052, 1093, 1099, 1100, 1160, 1162, 1214, 1242, 1250, 1277, 1295, 1298, 1316, 1717, 1724, 1744, 1745, 1752, 1765, 1790, 1809, 1810, 1815, 1818, 1828, 1834, 1836, 1837, 1838, 1921, 2270, 2284, 2333, 2383, 2396, 2404, 2622, 2692, 2699, 2734, 2735, 2826
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Existing Ocean bookings and cargo in transit
Due to the volatility of the ongoing situation, there is a need for alternative solutions to bringing your cargo to final destination, including finding alternative routing and storage in transit. To do this, we are adding an Emergency Freight rate on cargo loading from or destined to ports in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia (Damman & Jubail), Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman (except Salalah). It is based on your container category and subject to required regulatory approvals. See below:
Cargo type
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Cost per container
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20’ dry container
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USD 1800
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40’ dry container
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USD 3000
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Reefer, Special and DG container
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USD 3800
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Why are we implementing this
We are implementing this Emergency Freight rate to arrange alternative routing to final destination including finding potential storage solutions, additional charters and so forth. This fee includes transportation from temporary storage to final destination, when safe to complete the voyage.
Please note that that due to the fluidity of this situation, the Emergency Freight rate may be adjusted.
Options for cargo on route:
We will do our utmost to support you through this disruption and avoid termination of voyage. To facilitate this, we have the following options for you to choose from:
Option
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Cost
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Additional information
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| Complete the planned voyage, with temporary storage
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Strait of Hormuz Emergency Freight rate (as mentioned above), which covers 14 days of storage in transit.
Beyond this there will be storage fee of USD 25 per TEU day plus reefer monitoring and plug-in fee where applicable. This will be invoiced fortnightly.
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Your cargo will be placed in long-term storage in a port, selected by Maersk.
Onwards voyage will be initiated as soon as safely and practically possible, and covered by the rate
We reserve the right to declare termination of voyage if the situation is prolonged.
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Return to Origin
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You pay the standard COD fee and pricing, alongside additional freight cost. This is subject to operational acceptance
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This solution is subject to operational feasibility
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| Change of Destination
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You pay the standard COD fee and pricing, alongside additional freight cost. This is subject to operational acceptance
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This solution is subject to operational feasibility.
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Should we not hear from you regarding your impacted cargo on or before March 21st, we will contact you for termination of voyage. Please ensure that you reach out to our teams to ensure that your cargo is handled accordingly.
Cargo booking and cancellations:
With immediate effect, we are temporarily suspending cargo booking acceptance in and out of UAE, Oman (all ports apart from Salalah), Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia (Dammam and Jubail only) until further notice.
Shipments that contain critical foodstuff, medicine and perishable goods, we will do our utmost to ensure special attention is given.
Existing bookings with no containers gated out to the above-mentioned countries and ports will be cancelled as the situation continues to be tumultuous.
The suspension and cancellations apply to cargo originating from, destined for, or transhipping through these countries (exception Salalah transhipment to non-upper gulf Countries or between non-upper gulf countries, or between non-upper Gulf countries, for example shipping from Seychelles to Turkey, transshipping in Salalah).
Cargo booked but not yet stuffed:
We encourage our customers to engage with their local Maersk representative to explore alternative gateway options, adjusted routing structures or inland solutions outside the impacted zones, where operationally feasible. Our teams remain focused on identifying workable solutions while prioritizing safety and operational resilience; if you would like to change your port of destination, please reach out to your customer representative who can assist you on this.
Air Update
As the situation continues to evolve, several countries including the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, and Iran have announced the temporary suspension of their air spaces. Additionally, as a precautionary measure, airlines have cancelled or re-routed flights through the region. The reduced flight options and last minute carrier schedule changes may result in delays or extended transit times. The impact is spreading across multiple trade lanes as carriers have limited options to route cargo via the Middle East.
Impact on sea ports and ocean operations may also contribute to extended lead times, particularly for Sea Air volumes connecting through the affected hubs. Furthermore, ground movement at airports and cargo terminals—such as cargo handovers, acceptance, and processing—may be affected where local restrictions or staff shortages occur.
Landside update
Landside services like trucking, rail, and warehousing remain operational across the region. Customers should expect possible border congestion, customs delays, and variable transit times. Alternative routes and stricter security may cause schedule changes and cost shifts. The situation is being monitored for quick response and efficient management.
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
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