Container shipping through the Persian Gulf has ground to a near halt as Maersk and other major carriers suspend critical services amid escalating security risks in the Strait of Hormuz. The is forcing freight forwarders to rework routes, absorb massive surcharges, and manage mounting cargo backlogs.
Major Services Suspended
Maersk has temporarily suspended two critical shipping services connecting global trade lanes. The FM1 Service, linking the Far East to the Middle East, and the ME11 Service, connecting the Middle East to Europe, are both on hold until further notice.
The company halted new cargo bookings to seven Gulf markets: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Iraq, Bahrain, and Oman. Regional shuttle services operating within the Persian Gulf are also suspended.
“Following our latest risk assessment and operational review and considering the escalating conflict affecting safe navigation in the Gulf region, we have made the decision to temporarily suspend the FM1 Service and as well the ME11 Service. This decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of our personnel and vessels while minimising operational across our wider network.”
– Maersk statement
The ME1 service will temporarily skip calls at Jebel Ali port in the UAE while maintaining stops in India and Oman. Vessels are being rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa, adding weeks to transit times.
Emergency Surcharges Spike Costs
Freight rates to Gulf destinations have surged as carriers impose emergency conflict surcharges to cover soaring insurance premiums and operational risks.
Maersk introduced emergency freight surcharges of $1,800 for 20-foot containers, $3,000 for 40-foot and 45-foot containers, and $3,800 for refrigerated or special cargo containers. Competitor CMA CGM has imposed conflict surcharges reaching $4,000 per container on Middle East destinations.
The cost impact is severe. A standard 40-foot container that previously cost around $300 now runs approximately $3,300, an eleven-fold increase that threatens margins for freight forwarders working Gulf trade lanes.
“A 40-foot container that used to cost around $300 is now costing about $3,300. There is a lot of confusion right now. Shipping lines are reviewing sailings and some vessels are being pulled back while operators assess the risks.”
– Industry source
Thousands of Containers Stranded
The service suspensions have created massive cargo backlogs at key origin ports. At Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Mumbai, approximately 1,000 containers carrying food products destined for Middle Eastern markets sit idle. Reports indicate over 5,000 containers are stuck across Mumbai port facilities.
The timing compounds the problem. March marks peak season for Indian exports of fresh produce including grapes, bananas, and onions to Gulf markets.
Indian exporters face difficult choices as the mango crop season approaches. With shipping routes uncertain, many may have no option but to sell domestically at distress prices rather than access premium Gulf markets.
Cargo Restrictions Expand
Maersk has suspended acceptance of specialised cargo categories across all seven affected Gulf markets:
- Refrigerated containers (reefers)
- Dangerous goods
- Special cargo
Exceptions apply only for essential goods including food and medicines, but even these face severe delays and uncertainty.
Supply Chain Ripple Effects
The extends far beyond immediate shipping costs. Entire supply chain ecosystems built around Gulf trade face mounting pressure.
“The entire ecosystem – farmers, transporters, warehouse operators and port workers – depends on this trade. When shipments slow down, thousands of livelihoods are affected.”
– Trade industry observer
Indian shipping assets face particular exposure. Approximately 37 Indian-flagged vessels are stranded in the Hormuz region, with Rs100 billion in assets exposed to the conflict zone.
The Strait of Hormuz normally carries around 20% of global oil and gas shipments, making it one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints. Container shipping companies have largely halted transits through the strait since strikes began on February 28, 2026.
What Freight Forwarders Need to Know
The Gulf shipping crisis demands immediate action from freight forwarders serving these trade lanes. Here’s what matters now:
Route Planning
Standard Gulf routing is unavailable. Cape of Good Hope diversions add 10-14 days to transit times. Build extended lead times into quotes and client communications.
Cost Management
Emergency surcharges ranging from $1,800 to $4,000 per container must be factored into pricing. Insurance premiums for Gulf-bound cargo have also spiked. Quote validity periods should be shortened given rate volatility.
Cargo Type Restrictions
Refrigerated, dangerous, and special cargo face severe restrictions or outright suspensions to seven Gulf markets. Food and medicine exceptions apply but require verification with specific carriers.
Client Communication
Proactive communication is critical. Clients shipping to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Iraq, Bahrain, and Oman need immediate updates on service availability, cost increases, and timeline extensions.
The Path Forward
Container shipping companies continue to assess risks daily. Service resumption depends on security improvements in the Strait of Hormuz region and sustainable insurance costs for Gulf transits.
For freight forwarders, agility matters. The ability to quickly requote complex routes, access alternative capacity, and keep clients informed separates those who maintain business from those who lose cargo to competitors.
The crisis highlights why independent forwarders need tools that match what the giants deploy. Multi-leg routing, real-time rate comparison, and instant booking across multiple carriers become essential when standard trade lanes close overnight.
Global shipping moves fast. Quote faster.
