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10 Mar 2026 / MIddle East region

Update on the Supply Chain Impact caused by the ongoing Middle East Developments

This is relevant to you if:

  • You have a shipment to or from Middle East destinations or origins
  • You are a cargo owner, shipper, consignee or logistics partner

The current situation in the Middle East is disrupting trade in key corridors and impacting cargo movement by sea and air, into and out of the region. Given the region’s strategic importance to international shipping and air freight routes, measurable operational responses are now being implemented by carriers and operators. To support our customers in managing their supply chain, we are constantly monitoring the situation to assess the available operational options.

Current Developments

  • Service adjustments and short-notice schedule or routing changes
  • Rolled cargo at origin and selective port omissions en-route
  • Capacity tightening and equipment imbalance or shortage
  • War Risk and Emergency surcharges imposed by carriers being applied or under review
  • Additional levies on cargo in transit due to extended voyage times
  • Increased carrier and cargo insurance premiums
  • Freight rate volatility and surge in demand for available space
  • Potential knock-on disruption across wider global trade lanes
  • Certain carriers have already declared “End of Voyage” for cargo in transit in affected corridors, which may require discharge at intermediate ports and further operational arrangements. Please monitor carrier notices closely and remain alert to further operational updates.

While services remain operational, conditions remain subject to ongoing developments and may change with or without formal notice. We are in continuous dialogue with key carriers and overseas network partners to secure space, evaluate alternative routings and mitigate risk wherever operationally feasible. Please review your upcoming shipments and operational requirements and monitor shipment status regularly to align operational milestones and refer to carrier online tracking platforms to monitor shipment milestones and transit updates.

You can also refer to the carrier websites for additional updates CMA-CGM | ESL | Hapag-Lloyd | HMM | Maersk | MSC | ONE | OOCL | Wan Hai Lines | Yang Ming - these are provided for reference only and are not endorsed by GAC.

Ocean Freight Updates

  • Temporary suspension of new bookings by certain carriers for cargo destined to certain Middle East locations until further notice
  • Red Sea transits halted or rerouted in certain cases
  • Introduction of Emergency Conflict Surcharges imposed by carriers: reference surcharge amount of USD 2,000 per 20’, USD 3,000 per 40’, USD 4,000 per Reefer (subject to carrier application and revision)

Marine Cargo Insurance

Under the current circumstances, marine cargo insurance coverage for War and SRCC (Strikes, Riots and Civil Commotion) risks may not automatically apply unless specifically reinstated by written endorsement, and coverage remains subject to the applicable policy wording, terms and exclusions.

For any marine insurance related queries or new requests, please contact [email protected].

Air Freight Updates

  • Airspace closures and no-fly zones impacting flight frequency across key trade routes
  • Contract or standard-rate bookings largely suspended — spot rates prevailing
  • Inbound and outbound flight cancellations in certain corridors
  • Extended transit times due to rerouting around restricted airspace

We would like to emphasize that the current geopolitical situation remains unpredictable and beyond our reasonable control. Accordingly, guaranteed service conditions, availability or execution timelines cannot be assured at this time.

We will continue to support our customers wherever operationally feasible. However, certain services may be restricted, delayed, modified or temporarily unavailable depending on prevailing regulatory and operational conditions.

Our teams across the GAC network continue to engage with carriers and partners to assess shipment impact, as the situation remains subject to ongoing developments and may change at short notice.

We will continue to monitor developments and provide you with the latest updates.

Who to contact?

Should you require shipment-specific clarification or discuss routings, our logistics teams at your preferred location remains at your disposal.

If quoting any content from Hot Port News, please cite GAC Hot Port News as the source.

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