Published on: Mar 6, 2026 at 14:35 AEST

Customer Update – Middle East Shipping Disruptions & Carrier Surcharges

Dear Partners,

Following our previous updates, we would like to provide a further summary of the latest developments impacting shipping services into the Middle East and Persian Gulf region.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in several carriers implementing emergency operational measures, including booking suspensions, voyage terminations and the introduction of new war-related surcharges.

While the situation remains fluid, the key developments currently affecting shipments are outlined below.

Key Operational Updates

Booking Suspensions

A number of major carriers have suspended new bookings into the Middle East / Persian Gulf region, including:

• COSCO
• Hapag-Lloyd
• Ocean Network Express (ONE)
• Pacific International Lines (PIL)
• MSC
• ANL
• Yang Ming (YML)

These suspensions primarily affect cargo destined for:

• United Arab Emirates
• Bahrain
• Kuwait
• Iraq
• Qatar
• Parts of Saudi Arabia
• Oman and Yemen (in some cases)

MSC Voyage Termination

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has issued an “End of Voyage” declaration for cargo destined for the Persian Gulf.

This means containers already at sea may be discharged at the nearest safe port and placed into customer care, rather than continuing to their originally planned destination.

This effectively resets the original transport contract and requires new arrangements should cargo need to be forwarded to its final destination.

Announced Carrier Surcharges

(Applicable to cargo currently on the water and not yet arrived at final destination)

Additional surcharges or adjustments may be introduced by other carriers in the coming days as the situation develops.

Returned Australian Meat Consignments

Due to disruption to air freight routes through the Middle East, some Australian chilled meat consignments are being returned to Australia, including cargo diverted mid-flight.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has advised that these consignments are being treated as distressed shipments, acknowledging their highly perishable nature.

To minimise delays and commercial impacts, the department has introduced an interim priority inspection process, including:

• Priority inspection bookings for returned chilled meat consignments

• Mandatory Manual Request for Inspection (RFI) submissions marked:
  “Priority – Returned Chilled Meats”

• Biosecurity import permits required for consignments arriving without intact Australian government seals

• All returned shipments must lodge import declarations in the Integrated Cargo System (ICS)

Returned consignments will undergo inspection to confirm seal integrity and ensure biosecurity compliance before they can be moved back to an approved export establishment for potential rework.

These interim arrangements are designed to expedite inspection and minimise delays for returned export meat consignments.

What Pro Kinetics Is Doing

Our team is actively reviewing all shipments impacted by these developments, including:

• Cargo currently on the water

• Cargo booked but not yet departed

• Future orders scheduled to ship

Where shipments are affected, our team has already begun contacting customers to discuss potential solutions, including:

• Alternative carrier options

• Alternative routing or transhipment ports

• Managing MSC voyage terminations where applicable

• Assessing cost implications and available service options

Emergency Fuel & Bunker Charges

Some carriers have also begun introducing emergency fuel and bunker adjustments associated with route diversions and operational disruptions.

These charges will be passed through at cost on impacted shipments where applicable.

Our Commitment

We appreciate your patience as the industry navigates these rapidly evolving circumstances.

Our focus remains on maintaining supply continuity and protecting cargo integrity; particularly for time-sensitive meat and dairy shipments into the region.

We will continue monitoring carrier advisories closely and will provide further updates as additional information becomes available.

Thank you for your continued trust as we work through these challenging conditions together.

Kind regards,

The Pro Kinetics Team

Published on: Mar 4, 2026 at 10:47 AEST

MSC End of Voyage Declaration – Arabian Gulf

What This Means & How Pro Kinetics Is Supporting You

Following the advisory issued by MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company on 3 March 2026, an “End of Voyage” has been declared for all shipments destined for Arabian Gulf ports that are currently under MSC’s custody.

Link: https://www.msc.com/en/newsroom/customer-advisories/2026/march/important-notice-end-of-voyage-declaration-for-shipments-to-the-arabian-gulf

What This Means

• All cargo currently at sea, at origin terminals, or in empty containers already released for packing and intended for the Arabian Gulf is impacted.
• Vessels will divert to the next designated safe port.
• Containers will be discharged at that location and placed at the consignee’s disposal.
• A mandatory USD 800 per container deviation surcharge will apply.
• All discharge, handling, storage, and related costs at the diversion port are for the cargo owner’s account.
• Any onward movement to an alternative destination will require a new booking under new commercial terms.

This effectively resets the original transport contract to the Arabian Gulf.

Our Position How Pro Kinetics is Managing This For You

We understand the commercial and operational pressure this creates, particularly for temperature-controlled and time-sensitive cargo.

Pro Kinetics is actively:

1. Reviewing All Impacted Shipments

• Cargo currently on the water
• Containers at origin terminals
• Empty units already positioned for packing

We are assessing each shipment individually to determine exposure and available recovery options.

2. Engaging Directly With Carriers

We are in direct contact with MSC and alternative carriers to:

• Confirm diversion ports
• Secure clarity on reefer monitoring and power availability
• Explore re-forwarding options where viable

3. Evaluating Alternative Routing Strategies

Where possible, we are assessing:

• Transhipment via unaffected hubs
• Alternative carriers still servicing the region
• Temporary diversion to stable intermediate markets

4. Protecting Cold Chain Integrity

For chilled and perishable programs, our priority is:

• Minimising dwell time at diversion ports
• Mitigating product deterioration risk
• Supporting documentation for potential insurance or contractual claims

5. Direct Customer Coordination

Our team will be contacting affected customers individually to:

• Outline the specific position of each shipment
• Discuss commercial implications
• Develop practical recovery plans aligned with your buyer commitments

Our Position

This represents an exceptional operational disruption beyond standard delay scenarios.

Pro Kinetics is actively assessing all impacts and exploring all available options in response to the evolving market conditions and carrier directives. We will continue to engage directly with affected customers and coordinate closely with the carriers to support workable solutions wherever possible.

Further updates will be provided as additional confirmations are received.

Sincerely,

The Pro Kinetics Team

Published on: Mar 2, 2026 at 07:53 AEST

Dear Valued Partners,

Further to our communication yesterday, we are providing a second update based on the latest confirmed actions from major carriers. The security environment across key Middle East shipping corridors remains volatile, and operational measures continue to be implemented to protect crew, vessels and cargo.

Security and Routing Environment

Conditions across the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, and the Suez Canal corridor remain unstable.

Carriers are avoiding high-risk areas where possible, holding vessels in safe locations, and diverting services away from traditional routes into the Middle East region.

Carrier Operational Updates – current as of 02/03 7:00am AEST

Maersk

• Transits through the Strait of Hormuz and the Suez Canal are currently suspended.
• Affected services are being rerouted via the Cape of Good Hope.
• Ongoing monitoring with further operational adjustments expected.

CMA CGM

• Vessels in or bound for the Persian Gulf have been instructed to remain in safe areas.
• Suez Canal transits are suspended until further notice, with Cape diversions implemented where operationally feasible.
• No bookings being accepted into the Middle East Region.

CMA CGM – Emergency Conflict Surcharge (ECS)

CMA CGM has confirmed the implementation of an Emergency Conflict Surcharge, effective 2 March 2026 (loading date and cargo on the water) until further notice.

Surcharge levels (USD):

• 20’ Dry: $2,000
• 40’ Dry: $3,000
• Reefer / Special Equipment: $4,000

Applicable to: Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Yemen, Qatar, Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt (Ain Sokhna), Djibouti, Sudan and Eritrea.

Depending on origin and contract structure, these costs may be included within the freight rate.

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company

• Services through high-risk areas are being reviewed on a voyage-by-voyage basis.
• Selected vessels are being delayed, diverted, or held outside risk zones depending on security assessments.
• Network adjustments and transit delays should be expected where diversions via the Cape are required.
• No bookings being accepted into the Middle East Region.

Hapag-Lloyd and other carriers

• Hormuz transits suspended, with services redirected away from high-risk zones.

Operational Impact

• Diversions via the Cape of Good Hope are expected to add approximately 10–14 days or more to transit times compared with traditional Suez routings however potentially not possible for the Arabian Gulf ports.
• Schedule reliability remains low and subject to change at short notice.
• Most carriers have now stopped accepting cargo for the Middle East; situation remains fluid.
• Additional war-risk and operational surcharges are expected to remain in place while conditions persist. With carriers looking to roll out their surcharges in the coming days.

Pro Kinetics Actions

Pro Kinetics is actively reviewing all shipments impacted by the current situation, including:

• Cargo already on the water
• Shipments scheduled but yet to depart

Our team will be contacting affected customers individually to discuss the specific impact on their orders and to work through possible routing, timing or commercial solutions where available.

Customer Guidance

In the meantime, we recommend:

• Reviewing orders yet to depart for potential re-routing or new markets in Asia or elsewhere.
• Remaining flexible as carrier schedules and routings continue to change
• Potential need to freeze down chilled product.

Pro Kinetics will continue to monitor all carrier advisories closely and will provide further updates as the situation develops. Please contact your Pro Kinetics representative if you require immediate assistance.

Sincerely,

The Pro Kinetics Team

Pro Kinetics Customer Advisory: Middle East Update

Published on: Mar 1, 2026 at 16:37 AEST

Dear Valued Customers,

We wanted to keep you informed about the escalating situation in the Middle East region, which may impact global shipping routes. At this stage, it is still too early to predict the full extent of the disruptions, but we expect more clarity in the coming weeks.

Currently, airspace in the region has been restricted, and as a result, air freight services are being affected. However, at this time, major carriers have not announced any formal stoppages or blockages to bookings.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide you with further updates as they become available.

Additionally, it may be wise to discuss, first and foremost, with your own customers their safety. Secondly, we recommend reviewing any backup solutions for shipments, should alternative measures need to be enforced.

Thank you for your understanding and continued trust.

Sincerely,

The Pro Kinetics Team

Dear Customers,

2026 is promising to be a dynamic year in the shipping industry & we’re pleased to have the opportunity to continue supporting you, our valued customers, to deliver your products to market.

Here at Pro Kinetics, we are committed to continuing to provide our high standards of care, customer service & operational excellence.

Please see below, some general & specific updates on shipping market activities anticipated for Q1 2026 & beyond for your perusal.

Road Transport / Container Cartage:

The recent completion of new infrastructure projects in Melbourne, such as the West Gate Tunnel, has changed the landscape for commercial road transport in Melbourne. Particularly for our container cartage customers, wherein the vehicles delivering your containers are now restricted to a single, more costly route to-&-from the port precinct.

Nationally, the container cartage industry continues to labour under an increasing burden of 3^rd party charges, levied primarily by Terminal & Empty Container Park operators – most of these operators applied meaningful increases to their tariffs for January 1^st.

Pro Kinetics remains committed to providing quality cartage services & collaborating with our customers to deliver value in this critical link in the supply chain.

The Red Sea & Vessel Routings:

The industry continues to eagerly await the opening of the Red Sea trade lanes. Whilst an easing of the restrictions in this region was anticipated to take place over the Christmas & New Year period, this has not been fully realised.

Maersk is leading the charge to re-open these trade lanes – but caution remains the word of the day as Shipping Lines continue to assess the risk to their sailors, vessels & customer’s cargo.

A handful of other Shipping Lines have run trial voyages through the Red Sea – although these have typically not been advertised or promoted given their tentative nature. Most Lines continue to advertise routings to Europe & the Mediterranean via the Cape of Good Hope.

Fruit Season – Grapes & Citrus:

As these 2 major reefer export commodities approach their respective harvest seasons, we anticipate a significant tightening in the reefer container supply – particularly in the southern states where these crops are grown in abundance.

Pro Kinetics continues to cultivate strong relationships with Shipping Lines & will continue to work tirelessly to ensure your products reach their markets in a timely and economical manner.

To best manage the anticipated equipment supply issues, the earlier we can place bookings and secure releases – the simpler the execution of your shipping needs will be.

Celebrations of Global Significance:

Two of the world’s major cultural events will occur concurrently this year.

• Ramadan: Anticipated to begin on either the 17^th or 18^th of February, Eid al-Fitr expected on either the 19^th or 20^th of March in Australia.
• Chinese New Year: Will take place on the 17^th of February, major celebrations to take place in communities around the world, often extending into the 1^st week of March.

Please note that throughout these periods, disruptions should be anticipated at those destinations where these events are of their greatest significance.

Blank Sailings:

In response to the pressures of the Chinese New Year period, it has been customary in recent years for the Shipping Lines to apply a Peak Season Surcharge on the China / Australia trades.

However, for 2026 a different approach is emerging in the market, with several Shipping Lines choosing instead to blank a greater number of voyages rather than levying a PSS.

This will naturally constrict the capacity supply throughout the period & may lead to increased competition among exporters for the space available on the vessels that do arrive.

Consequently, vessel schedule integrity is likely to decline throughout the period.

Please do not hesitate to contact your Pro Kinetics representative if you have any questions or require further information.

Sincerely,

The Pro Kinetics Team