Middle East Routes Suspended, Hormuz Strait Closure Hits Global Shipping
Mar 06, 2026
Escalating conflicts in the Middle East have brought shipping to a standstill through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy and trade lanes. Major shipping lines have suspended all services and stopped accepting cargo to the region, causing freight rates to jump sharply and port congestion to return.
Shipping Halted Through the Strait of Hormuz
All commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has been suspended. European countries have banned their tankers from the area, and war risk insurance for ships in Iranian waters was canceled starting March 5.
The strait handles about 20% of global oil supplies and large amounts of container cargo. Its closure has blocked a key link in the global supply chain.
Major Carriers Stop Middle East Bookings
MSC, Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, CMA CGM and other top carriers have taken urgent action:
- All sailings through the Strait of Hormuz are suspended.
- New bookings to the Middle East are closed completely.
- Many ships are rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope, adding more than 10 days to each trip.
- Freight forwarders have stopped accepting cargo bound for the Middle East.
Freight Rates and War Surcharges Rise Sharply
With limited capacity, freight rates have increased rapidly.
- VLCC tanker rates have risen above $200,000 per day.
- Hapag-Lloyd adds $1,500 per 20FT container as war risk surcharge.
- CMA CGM charges $2,000 per 20FT container.A long closure may push up global shipping costs further.
Key Ports Closed, Congestion Spreads
Jebel Ali Port, the largest container port in the Middle East, has suspended operations. More than 100 ships are waiting near the strait. Rerouting and port closures are causing serious delays worldwide.
Logistics Services to the Middle East Paused
SF International has suspended import and export services to many Middle Eastern countries. Amazon has stopped all deliveries in the UAE. Most cross-border small parcel lines to the region are also suspended.
This shipping crisis has become a global issue. The recovery of routes, schedules and ports will depend on whether tensions in the Middle East ease.
