Global shipping giant Maersk temporarily halted most bookings for cargo shipments to and from key ports in the Gulf Arab states and Iraq, in response to escalating conflict following recent U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran.
In a customer advisory released Wednesday, Maersk said the move is a precautionary measure to ensure crew safety, protect cargo, and maintain operational stability across its logistics network.
The suspension applies immediately to shipping bookings from and to:
United Arab Emirates (except Port of Salalah in Oman)
Oman (except Port of Salalah)
Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain
Saudi Arabia – Dammam and Jubail ports only
Iraq – Umm Qasr port
Ports that remain operational include Jeddah and King Abdullah in Saudi Arabia, and Salalah in Oman. Shipments to and from Jordan and Lebanon continue as normal. Maersk also suspended hazardous cargo shipments to and from Israel, though non-hazardous shipments remain accepted.
The recent strikes on Iran have intensified regional instability, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage that handles roughly one-fifth of the world’s seaborne oil trade, along with significant liquefied natural gas and industrial goods shipments. Disruptions in this corridor could lead to shipping delays, higher transport and insurance costs, and broader impacts on global energy and commodity prices.
The escalating situation prompted U.S. President Donald Trump to pledge measures ensuring uninterrupted energy flow through the Gulf, including naval protection and insurance guarantees. Insurers have already begun withdrawing war-risk coverage for vessels operating in the region, further complicating maritime logistics.
Maersk emphasized that it continues to monitor developments closely and will adjust operations as necessary to safeguard its global shipping network while keeping clients informed of any critical updates.
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