Maersk Suspends Gulf Landside Bookings, Introduces Emergency Freight Rate and Hormuz Transit Fee

Maersk published its Middle East Operational Update 53 on November 6, pausing landside bookings between the UAE and Qatar and between Jeddah and Oman, citing regional security conditions. The carrier introduced an Emergency Freight Rate of US$1,800–3,800 per container and a US$1,000 per container fee for transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

The advisory also changes proof-of-delivery processes for Khor Fakkan shipments to Jebel Ali and restricts empty container returns, with the SAJAA dry port in Sharjah opened November 6 as an additional depot option.

The measures add several new surcharge and routing variables to Gulf lanes within days — a practical illustration of the pricing, documentation and routing complexity that freight systems must absorb in disrupted regions, even though the direct impact on Indonesia's main trade lanes remains limited.