Views: 100 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-03-02 Origin: Site
Iran has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, delivering a severe blow to the global shipping system.
The global shipping industry is facing a dual crisis: the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has fully disrupted the Middle East maritime transport corridor. Multiple ports have suspended operations or are under operational restrictions, and shipping companies have announced the suspension of all global cargo bookings bound for the Middle East.
1、Strait of Hormuz closed: All transits prohibited.
Iran has announced a full blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Citing relevant sources, Reuters reported that the Iran has issued a radio notification stating that no vessels shall pass through the strait under any circumstances. This move has left numerous vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf, cutting off key hub ports such as Jebel Ali from the global ocean trade system. MSC, a global shipping giant, has announced the suspension of all cargo bookings bound for the Middle East across its global routes.
There are no alternative maritime routes in the Persian Gulf. The closure of the strait means an immediate deadlock in energy transportation and container logistics, with a structural disruption to the flow of crude oil, refined oil products, and containerized cargo.
2、Ports suspend operations; carriers halt bookings.
Escalating tensions in the Middle East have directly impacted port and shipping operations (updated operational risks for Middle Eastern ports are attached at the end of the text).
Jebel Ali Port (UAE) was affected by falling debris from aerial interception operations, causing a fire at one berth. Port operator DP World announced that Jebel Ali Port has suspended operations as a safety precaution, with all loading, unloading and related activities fully halted.
Duqm Port (Oman) was targeted by two drones in an attack. Due to security risks, Duqm Port and Asyad Dry Dock have suspended operations.
Bahrain has also announced the temporary suspension of port operations nationwide, with all maritime services including pilotage disrupted.
In response to the situation, liner company MSC has issued an urgent notice to suspend all new bookings to the Middle East worldwide. Meanwhile, all MSC vessels currently in the Gulf waters or en route to the region have been instructed to proceed to designated safe areas and stand by. MSC stated that the above measures are intended to address risks arising from the deteriorating maritime security situation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and to ensure the safety of crew, vessels, and cargo. The company has temporarily stopped accepting new booking requests destined for the Middle East, and will resume services once the regional security situation improves.
3、Major shipping lines urgently adjust routes.
l Maersk and CMA CGM Adjust Routes
Major container liner companies have abandoned their plans to return to the Suez Canal in 2026.
Maersk confirmed that its ME11 and MECL services will divert via the Cape of Good Hope, no longer transiting the Red Sea.
CMA CGM has upgraded its response measures accordingly. The company has instructed all vessels within or bound for the Persian Gulf to proceed immediately to safe areas.
In addition,CMA CGM has suspended all sailings via the Suez Canal, with relevant vessels rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope.
l Hapag-Lloyd Suspends Transits Through the Strait of Hormuz
Hapag-Lloyd has announced the suspension of all vessel transits through the Strait of Hormuz until further notice.
The company stated that the decision is a mandatory response based on the evolving security situation and the formal closure of the waterway.
Hapag-Lloyd emphasized that the safety of crew, vessels, and cargo remains its highest priority. The company is closely monitoring developments and maintaining contact with relevant authorities and security partners. Services calling at Arabian Gulf ports may face delays, diversions, or schedule adjustments.
Hapag-Lloyd will endeavor to minimize disruptions to customers’ supply chains and provide timely updates on critical cargo movements. l
l Three Major Japanese Carriers Suspend Transits
Nippon Yusen (NYK Line), Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line) have also instructed their vessels to stand by in safe areas or suspend transits through the straits.
4、Middle East Maritime Corridor Fully Blocked l
The current situation has impacted the entire Middle East maritime transport corridor:l
l Closure of the Strait of Hormuz l
l Vessel diversion orders in the Persian Gulf in effect l
l Suspension of Suez Canal routes l
l Ongoing security risks in the Red Sea
l Major liner companies have abandoned selective rerouting and adopted a full regional evacuation strategy.
5、Impact on Global Trade
The blockade has created critical bottlenecks in both the energy market and container shipping. Major hub ports such as Jebel Ali are effectively cut off from the outside world.
Vessels inside the Persian Gulf are unable to exit, and no additional ships can enter.
Liner companies may opt to discharge cargo at alternative regional ports, with onward land transportation to final destinations (subject to local infrastructure conditions).
Rerouting via the Cape of Good Hope will typically add 10–14 days to voyage times on Asia–Europe and Asia–US East Coast routes. Shippers will face longer transit times, higher fuel costs, and worsening schedule disruptions.
With no viable alternative maritime corridors available in the short term, supply chains must prepare for year-round regular operations via Africa.
Enclosure: Updated Operational Risks for Ports in Middle Eastern Countries
Middle East Port Operations Update International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) |
UAE Some port operation restrictions are in place. Jebel Ali Port is suspended, with all operations halted. Sharjah Port is open normally. Fujairah Port and Khorfakkan Port are operating at full capacity, with no navigational warnings in place. Ruwais Port is at ISPS Level 2, while all other ports are at ISPS Level 1. The airspace is closed, making crew changes unavailable. |
Kuwait All ports are open normally. Shuwaikh Port is at ISPS Level 2, while all other ports are at Level 1. The airspace is closed; crew changes cannot be arranged. |
Oman Port operations are partially restricted. Duqm Port and Asyad Dry Dock have suspended operations. Muscat, Mina Al Ahmadi, Sohar and Salalah Ports are open normally. ISPS Level 1. Airspace is open, but some flights have been cancelled, affecting crew change arrangements. |
Saudi Arabia All ports are operating normally with no official alerts. ISPS Level 1. Airspace is open, but some international routes are suspended due to regional airspace restrictions. |
Qatar Ports are open but with certain operational restrictions. Ras Laffan and Mesaieed Ports are open but with reduced traffic, and reports of weakened GPS signals. Hamad Port, Doha Port and Ar Ruways Port are operating normally. ISPS Level 1. Airspace is closed; crew changes are not possible. The government advises against non-essential road travel and recommends that people stay indoors whenever possible. |
Bahrain All port operations, including pilotage services, have been temporarily suspended. ISPS Level 1. Airspace is closed; crew changes are not possible. |
Egypt The Suez Canal and all ports are operating normally. ISPS Level 1. Airspace is open with no reported operational impacts. |
Jordan Aqaba Port is operating normally, with all terminals and maritime services functioning as usual. ISPS Level 1. Airspace is open, with no impact on port or domestic traffic. |
Pakistan All ports are operating normally. ISPS Level 1. Airspace is open with no reported operational impacts. |
Source: Shipping Network
