Hormuz Closure: Maersk Issues Fresh Customer Advisory, Announces Emergency Freight Increase

Chennai:

Port Wings News Network:

Due to the escalation of security risks in the Middle East region and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, vessels are currently unable to safely transit the area. As a result, service flows across the Middle East corridors have been significantly disrupted.

In a fresh “Customer Advisory,” shipping major Maersk stated that “In order to safeguard cargo and maintain continuity of service, we have implemented contingency measures across the affected routes, including alternative routings and operational adjustments. As such, it has been necessary to implement an emergency freight increase to cover these constraints and increased operating costs.

According to the advisory, for 20′ Dry, Emergency Freight Increase has been fixed at USD 1800, for 40′ and 45’ Dry/HC, it will be USD 3,000, and for 20’ and 40’ Reefer / Specials, it has been fixed as USD 3,800.

Scope of application

Trade Coverage: From World to/from UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia (Eastern Province), Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq

Bookings Already Placed / Cargo in Transit / New Bookings.

As of 2 March, 2026, this freight increase is payable by the party paying freight and will apply to:-

All bookings that have not yet shipped

Cargo already on the water but not yet discharged or loaded to/from UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia (Eastern Province), Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iraq.

Shipments not yet loaded to/from the above destinations

Applicable for all future bookings from 2-Mar-2026

“Due to the ongoing instability in the Strait of Hormuz, the Carrier hereby notifies that an increase to ocean freight rates will be applied under individual service contracts. This adjustment is made pursuant to Clause 20 of the Carrier’s Bill of Lading, which permits the modification or termination of the contract of carriage under specified circumstances,” adds the advisory.

Freight levels for these shipments will be updated to reflect the increased operational costs arising from the closure of Strait of Hormuz.

In accordance with its contractual rights under Clause 20, the Carrier will implement this increase with immediate effect

“We are continuing to monitor the situation closely and remain committed to keeping you informed of further developments. Your local Maersk representative is available to discuss the impact on your shipments and support alternative planning where required,” further added the advisory.