Middle East Operational Update 16

Update on Reefer and Dry Cargo Exports from the UAE

We 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.

Landside update

Landbridge solutions in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE, Qatar and Iraq

Please find the continued expansion of our multimodal transport solutions across the Gulf region.

Please note that the information below is only relevant for landside transportation. Please note that all transportation services are subject to availability, and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Export – Carrier Haulage Land Bridge Solutions

• From Upper Gulf origins (Dammam, Jubail, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Oman) via Jeddah Port
• From Iraq via Aqaba Port
• From UAE via Landbridge solution connection through Sohar, Salalah and Jeddah ports to Rest of world

Import – Domestic Services

• From Jeddah Port to Riyadh and Dammam Carrier Haulage
• From Khor Fakkan, Fujairah, Jebel Ali, and Abu Dhabi ports to the rest of the UAE
• From Salalah to inland destinations across Oman

Import – Land Bridge Solutions

• From Jeddah Port to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, and Oman
• From Khor Fakkan and Fujairah to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar
• From Salalah and Sohar to UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar
• From Aqaba to Iraq

Accepted Cargo Types (subject to capacity availability)

• Dry cargo
• Frozen cargo

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:

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 en route:

We will do our utmost to support you through this disruption and avoid abandonment of carriage. To facilitate this, we have the following options for you to choose from:

Deadline Extension Due to Eid Holidays

Due to the upcoming Eid holidays, the deadline to select one of the options above has been extended to 25 March2026. Should we not hear from you regarding your impacted cargo on or before this date, we will contact you to proceed with termination of voyage. We kindly request that you reach out to our teams so your cargo can be handled accordingly.

Important Notes

• If Option B or Option C is selected after previously selecting Option A, or after the containers have been discharged at the storageintransit port, the Strait of Hormuz Emergency Freight fee will continue to apply by default and will not be waived or refunded.
• Storage fees will apply from the 15th day after discharge at storage port until one of the following occurs:
  1. Container is loaded to complete the originally planned onward voyage.
  2. Container is loaded for return to origin (Option B).
  3. Container is loaded for onward journey to the new POD (Option C).
  4. Delivery/gate-out from the port in cases where the voyage is terminated or the customer chooses to terminate at the storage-in-transit port.

Detention & Demurrage

The local D&D tariff applicable at the designated return locations, subject to local laws, can be found here https://www.maersk.com/local-information/imea > Select your country > Import.

If cross‑border return to a designated location is unlawful or materially prevented by authorities, please contact your Maersk representative within 7 days of this notice so we can agree with a compliant interim solution and the applicable D&D handling.

Access the latest update on temporary Line Detention solutions

Maersk Cargo Insurance continues to offer cover per policy terms across the Middle East, however the situation is under close and ongoing review. A number of insurance companies have reduced or withdrawn coverage for shipments into the Red Sea, Gulf of Oman and Persian Gulf regions, particularly with respect to insurance coverage on the vessels themselves, and Maersk is also reducing operations in the region (find the latest Maersk operational update here).  This may reduce options to ship into the region, however as and when operations resume, Maersk Cargo Insurance will endeavour to be available to insure your cargo interests.

Ocean update:

Cargo Booking

Limitations on Dangerous Goods Cargo to Israel:

Quick reference guide for UAE Export shipments on merchant haulage

1. Place your booking on www.maersk.com with load ports as either Salalah, Jeddah or Sohar.
2. Inform you would like to pick up the empty container(s) in a different city.
3. Type empty pick-up location as “Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates” while placing the booking

4. Proceed with nominating Haulier and e-Token generation in Dubai Trade system
5. Arrange empty pick from Jebel Ali terminal.
6. Once empty container is picked-up, please send back the CONTAINER GUARANTEE FORM received from your Customer Service agent to ae.export@maersk.com with subject line " Container Guarantee - booking no XXXXXXX
7. Note: If there are multiple containers in a single booking, please attach a signed and stamped list.
8. Please adhere to deadlines such as Shipping Instruction, VGM Submission, container gate-in timelines based on each vessel and port from which shipment is planned for loading
9. Kindly complete customs formalities according to your shipment and applicable regulations.
10. Please note that, for Sohar, only local trucks are allowed inside terminal
11. Customers must deliver all containers in the booking ready for carriage: no earlier than: (a) 6 days before vessel departure, if from Salalah, and (b) no 10 days before vessel departure if from Jeddah.

Returning of Empty Containers update:

Returning of empty container in region

In light of the evolving situation affecting navigation and port operations in and around the Strait of Hormuz, and in order to protect the safety of our vessels, crews and your cargo, Maersk is implementing temporary empty-container return arrangements.

Effective immediately and until further notice, for existing and new import shipments into the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia (Jubail), Iraq and Oman (Duqm), empty containers will not be accepted at their usual return locations.

Instead, empties should be returned only to the designated depots listed below.

Designated empty return depots:

• Oman – Salalah
• Saudi Arabia – Jeddah

Limited acceptance with Drop off (DRP) charges please refer to the table below

For containers already discharged where Delivery Orders have been issued:

1. If the DO states a return location that is in “empty acceptance” status at gate‑in, return may be made to that stated location.
2. If the stated location is not accepting empties at the time of return, Maersk will issue an updated instruction to an available designated depot

For more info see here: https://www.maersk.com/news/articles/2026/03/17/hormuz-closure-empty-returns-suspension-update-march

• If Option B or Option C is selected after previously selecting Option A, or after the containers have been discharged at the storage-in-transit port, the SoH Emergency Freight fee will continue to apply by default and will not be waived or refunded.

Fuel Update

For more information on this: Maersk Emergency Bunker Surcharge (EBS) 2026

Air Update 

Due to ongoing developments in the Middle East, global aviation fuel markets are experiencing volatility, causing operational disruptions in air logistics.

As jet fuel prices rise, Fuel Surcharges (FSC) will increase and be reviewed weekly, based on market indices. For contract renewals without an FSC, 15% of the rate will be allocated to fuel.
Additionally, a Transit Disruption Surcharge (TDS) will be introduced to cover extra costs from capacity constraints and rerouting. Customers will be notified in advance of any changes.
The situation remains fluid, and we will continue to keep you updated on any market changes affecting costs or operations.

Port update

For information on ports in the impacted area, please click here: Middle East Port Operations Update | Maersk

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.