Shipping in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz underwent significant changes in early March 2026 as the security situation in the Middle East deteriorated rapidly. Major shipping lines began restricting bookings, changing routes and applying additional risk surcharges.
Below we summarise the most important changes based on official shipping-line notices dated 1 March 2026. Because the situation was changing very quickly, we recommend checking the latest carrier notices before planning a specific shipment.
What has changed in Red Sea shipping?
The security situation affected not only vessel movements through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, but also cargo bookings, voyage planning and transport pricing.
For example, in its 1 March 2026 notice, Maersk stated that it had temporarily suspended vessel transit through the Strait of Hormuz and diverted some sailings around the Cape of Good Hope.
Booking restrictions
- On 1 March 2026, MSC temporarily suspended acceptance of new cargo bookings to the Middle East from all origins worldwide.
- CMA CGM suspended reefer-container bookings to and from parts of the Middle East, Red Sea and Persian Gulf region.
- Other shipping lines also began applying specific restrictions depending on the route, cargo type and destination port.
Route changes
- Maersk suspended vessel transit through the Strait of Hormuz and diverted some Suez-bound services around the Cape of Good Hope.
- Hapag-Lloyd also announced route and service changes in the Persian Gulf region, including diversions and the subsequent suspension of transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Longer routes around Africa mean longer transit times, higher fuel consumption and reduced vessel capacity available on other routes.
Vessel safety
MSC instructed vessels in or heading towards the Persian Gulf region to proceed to designated safe-haven areas. Under such conditions, shipping lines may change ports, adjust schedules or temporarily suspend sailings if there is a risk to crew, vessel or cargo.
Additional war-risk and conflict surcharges
The security crisis prompted shipping lines to introduce additional war-risk, conflict and contingency surcharges.
- CMA CGM announced a surcharge of USD 2,000 for a 20-foot dry container, USD 3,000 for a 40-foot dry container and USD 4,000 for a reefer or special container. These rates were scheduled to apply from 2 March 2026 on certain Middle East and Red Sea routes.
- Hapag-Lloyd also announced additional War Risk and Contingency surcharges, with the amount depending on the route and container type.
The official CMA CGM conditions can be found in the shipping line’s Emergency Conflict Surcharge notice.
What does this mean for shippers?
Longer transit time
Diversions around Africa can significantly extend transit times and alter previously planned delivery dates.
Higher transport costs
Additional risk surcharges, longer routes and higher fuel consumption increase pressure on ocean freight rates.
Higher congestion risk
Vessel diversions, schedule changes and capacity redistribution can create additional pressure at transit and Asian ports and make empty equipment harder to obtain.
How should cargo be planned during uncertainty?
If your cargo is in the Middle East, Red Sea or en route to these markets, it is worth checking the vessel’s actual route, possible additional charges, alternative ports and insurance conditions as early as possible.
During periods like this, Red Sea shipping requires more flexibility than usual – route, price and transit time may change even after a booking has been confirmed.
If you need help assessing your shipment and possible alternatives, contact our team: info@tlclogistics.lt.
