Middle East Shipping Disruption – Weekly Update
Published on: Mar 13, 2026 at 17:23 AEST
Dear Valued Customers,
As we close out the week, we would like to provide a further update on the evolving situation in the Middle East and its impact on global shipping services.
Following the escalation of conflict in the region, ocean carriers continue to implement emergency operational measures to protect vessels, crew and cargo. These actions are affecting services into the Persian Gulf and surrounding markets and have resulted in booking restrictions, voyage adjustments and the introduction of emergency carrier surcharges.
While the situation remains fluid, the key developments currently impacting shipments into the region are outlined below.
Market Snapshot
Operational Status
Disruptions to shipping services into the Persian Gulf continue following the escalation of conflict in the region. Several carriers have restricted bookings while alternative routing and contingency service structures are being evaluated.
Carrier Measures
Multiple ocean carriers have introduced emergency operational surcharges, voyage termination provisions and fuel adjustments to manage increased risk and operational costs.
Customer Impact
Customers may experience transit delays, cargo diversions, increased freight costs and limited space availability while carrier networks stabilise.
Outlook
While contingency supply routes are being evaluated, the timeline for a return to normal services through the Strait of Hormuz remains uncertain.
Current Operating Environment
Ocean carriers remain focused on safely managing cargo already in transit while reassessing future service structures into the region.
Key conditions currently impacting trade include:
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Suspension or restriction of some bookings into Persian Gulf destinations
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Voyage diversions and schedule adjustments for vessels already at sea where security risks are elevated
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Some carriers issuing “End of Voyage” declarations, allowing cargo to be discharged at the nearest safe port rather than continuing to the originally planned destination
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Ongoing evaluation of contingency service structures and alternative routing models to maintain supply into the region
Given the evolving security environment across the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding shipping corridors, the timing for the resumption of normal Gulf services remains uncertain.
Carriers are continuing to monitor conditions closely and may adjust their operating networks further depending on developments.
Carrier Booking Restrictions
Several ocean carriers have implemented temporary booking restrictions for certain Middle East and Persian Gulf destinations while they review vessel routing and security conditions.
These measures are intended to stabilise vessel operations and allow carriers to safely manage cargo already in transit.
The scope of restrictions varies by carrier and service and may evolve as alternative routing options or contingency services are introduced.
Customers should expect limited space availability and potential service changes while carriers continue to assess operating conditions across the region.
Carrier Emergency Surcharges, Cost Recovery & Fuel Adjustments
Ocean carriers have begun implementing emergency surcharges and cost recovery mechanisms associated with the conflict and the operational adjustments required to maintain safe vessel operations.
These surcharges are being applied directly by carriers and will be passed through in line with existing contractual and tariff arrangements.
The following charges have been announced by carriers to date:
| Carrier | Charge Name | Valid From | 20′ Dry | 40′ Dry | 20′ Reefer | 40′ Reefer | Notes |
| ANL / CMA CGM | Emergency Contingency Surcharge (ECS) | 2-Mar-26 | $2,000 | $3,000 | $4,000 | $4,000 | Applies to cargo moving to/from affected Middle East markets |
| ANL / CMA CGM | Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) | Immediate | – | – | – | $1,000 | Applies to Egypt reefer shipments |
| Hapag-Lloyd | War Risk Surcharge (WRS) | 2-Mar-26 | $1,500 | $3,000 | $3,500 | $3,500 | Applied across affected Gulf services |
| MSC | Change of Destination / Voyage Termination Fee (COD) | 3-Mar-26 | $800 | $800 | $800 | $800 | Applies where vessels terminate voyage and discharge cargo at safe ports |
| MSC | Emergency Operational Surcharge (EOS) | 5-Mar-26 | $2,000 | $3,000 | $4,000 | $4,000 | Applies to shipments bound for affected Middle East ports |
| ONE | Emergency Surcharge (EMS) | 4-Mar-26 | $1,200 | $2,400 | $2,200 | $3,400 | Applies across affected trade lanes |
| PIL | Freight Adjustment | Immediate | Up to +100% | Up to +100% | Up to +100% | Up to +100% | Carrier applying rate increases rather than a formal surcharge |
| T.S. Lines | Emergency Contingency Surcharge (ECS) | 13-Mar-26 | – | – | – | $400 | Applies to selected Red Sea trades |
| Sealead | War Risk Surcharge (WRS) | 1-Mar-26 | $40 | $40 | $40 | $40 | Applies across Middle East and Red Sea services |
Additional surcharges or adjustments may be introduced by other carriers as operational conditions continue to evolve.
Emergency Fuel & Bunker Adjustments
In addition to the operational surcharges outlined above, several carriers have introduced Emergency Bunker Surcharges (EBS) in response to recent volatility in global energy markets.
These adjustments are linked to:
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Increased fuel consumption resulting from longer sailing distances and vessel diversions
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Rising global crude oil prices
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Operational inefficiencies caused by network disruption and contingency routing
The table below summarises known emergency fuel adjustments announced by selected carriers across key trade lanes.
Note: The table summarises currently announced emergency fuel adjustments as at the date of publication. Rates may vary depending on trade lane, routing and equipment type and may be revised by carriers without notice.
These fuel adjustments are separate from operational surcharges and may be applied concurrently depending on carrier, routing and trade lane.
What This Means for Shipments
Customers may experience:
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Transit delays where vessels are rerouted or diverted
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Cargo discharge at alternative ports where voyage termination has been declared
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Higher freight costs due to carrier surcharges and operational adjustments
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Limited space availability while services remain restricted
These measures are being implemented by carriers to maintain safe vessel operations and protect cargo integrity while the security situation remains uncertain.
Pro Kinetics’ Approach
Pro Kinetics continues to monitor carrier advisories and operational developments across the region on a daily basis.
Our team is actively reviewing:
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Cargo currently on the water
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Shipments booked but not yet departed
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Future orders scheduled to move through affected trade lanes
Where shipments are impacted, we are working directly with customers and carriers to manage the situation and assess available options.
Looking Ahead
While shipping services into the region remain disrupted, carriers are actively evaluating longer-term operating models to maintain supply into the Middle East.
Given the importance of the region to global trade, further service adjustments and commercial frameworks are expected to emerge over the coming weeks.
Pro Kinetics will continue to monitor developments closely and provide further updates as the situation evolves.
If you have questions regarding specific shipments or the potential impact on upcoming orders, please contact your Pro Kinetics representative.
Kind regards
Pro Kinetics
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)
| Carrier | Charge | Valid From | 20’ Dry | 40’ Dry | 20’ Reefer | 40’ Reefer |
| CMA CGM / ANL | Emergency Contingency Surcharge (ECS) | 2-Mar | $2,000 | $3,000 | $4,000 | $4,000 |
| Hapag-Lloyd | War Risk Surcharge (WRS) | 2-Mar | $1,500 | $3,000 | $3,500 | $3,500 |
| MSC | Emergency Operational Surcharge (EOS) | Immediate | $2,000 | $3,000 | $4,000 | $4,000 |
| MSC | Voyage Termination Fee | 3-Mar | $800 | $800 | $800 | $800 |
| PIL | Freight Adjustment | Immediate | Up to +100% | Up to +100% | Up to +100% | Up to +100% |
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:
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Priority inspection bookings for returned chilled meat consignments
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Mandatory Manual Request for Inspection (RFI) submissions marked:
“Priority – Returned Chilled Meats” -
Biosecurity import permits required for consignments arriving without intact Australian government seals
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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:
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Cargo currently on the water
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Cargo booked but not yet departed
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Future orders scheduled to ship
Where shipments are affected, our team has already begun contacting customers to discuss potential solutions, including:
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Alternative carrier options
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Alternative routing or transhipment ports
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Managing MSC voyage terminations where applicable
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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.
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
