Quick Summary
Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have triggered a new Strait of Hormuz shipping crisis, forcing major container carriers to suspend bookings, reroute vessels, and introduce emergency surcharges.
Key developments include:
- MSC and Yang Ming declaring End of Voyage
- COSCO suspending Middle East bookings
- Multiple carriers introducing war-risk and emergency surcharges
- Route adjustments across global shipping networks
This article summarizes carrier-by-carrier responses to the Strait of Hormuz disruption and explains what it means for global logistics.
Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters for Global Shipping
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most strategically important shipping corridors in the world.
Roughly 20% of global oil shipments pass through this narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean. Any disruption here immediately affects:
- global energy markets
- container shipping routes
- freight rates
- insurance premiums
In March 2026, escalating regional tensions created new security concerns for vessels operating in the Persian Gulf.
Shipping companies responded quickly.
Some suspended bookings entirely. Others imposed new Middle East emergency surcharges to compensate for rising risk.
The following sections outline how major carriers are responding to the Hormuz Strait shipping disruption.
Carrier Responses to the Strait of Hormuz Shipping Disruption
MSC – Voyage Termination and Booking Suspension
MSC has taken one of the strongest operational measures.
The carrier declared “End of Voyage” for shipments bound to the Arabian Gulf and suspended bookings across affected routes.
Containers already in transit may be discharged at alternative safe ports.
Key measures
- End of Voyage declaration
- Middle East booking suspension
- Administrative cost: $800 per container
Official advisory
https://www.msc.com/en/newsroom/customer-advisories/2026/march/important-notice-end-of-voyage-declaration-for-shipments-to-the-arabian-gulf
Maersk – Emergency Contingency Surcharge (ECS)
Maersk introduced an Emergency Contingency Surcharge (ECS) for shipments into the Gulf region.
Affected destinations include:
- UAE
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Iraq
- Oman
Emergency surcharge
- $1,800 per 20’ container
- $3,000 per 40’ container
Official update
https://www.maersk.com/news/articles/2026/03/06/emergency-contingency-surcharge-north-europe-mediterranean-to-meg-isc-east-africa
CMA CGM – Conflict Surcharge and Dangerous Cargo Suspension
CMA CGM implemented its own Emergency Contingency Surcharge (ECS) while also suspending bookings for dangerous cargo shipments.
Surcharge
- $2,000 per 20’ container
- $3,000 per 40’ container
Official update
https://www.cma-cgm.com/news/5344/middle-east-situation-updates
COSCO – Middle East Booking Suspension
COSCO suspended new bookings for Middle East trades starting early March.
Existing shipments may be redirected to alternative discharge ports depending on security conditions.
Official notice
https://en.coscoshipping.com/News/LatestNews
Hapag-Lloyd – War Risk and Peak Season Surcharges
Hapag-Lloyd implemented a dual surcharge structure reflecting both seasonal demand and security risks.
Charges
- War Risk Surcharge: $1,500 per TEU
- Peak Season Surcharge: $1,000 per 40’
Official notice
https://www.hapag-lloyd.com/en/services-information/news/2026/03/a-peak-season-surcharge–pss–is-coming-into-effect-for-shipment.html
ONE – Persian Gulf Emergency Surcharge
Ocean Network Express introduced a Persian Gulf Emergency Surcharge (EMS).
Rates
- $1,200 per 20’
- $2,400 per 40’
Official notice
https://www.one-line.com/en/news/emergency-surcharge-shipments-persian-gulf-countries
HMM – Enhanced Security Procedures
HMM has not imposed additional surcharges yet but confirmed enhanced security measures for vessels transiting the region.
Official update
https://www.hmm21.com/e-service/cmsBoard/CmsBoard.do
OOCL – 200 Nautical Mile Exclusion Zone
OOCL introduced strict operational restrictions.
Key measures include:
- 200 nautical mile safety buffer around the Strait of Hormuz
- Temporary suspension of bookings to affected ports
Official notice
https://www.oocl.com/eng/aboutoocl/customerservice
Yang Ming – End of Voyage Declaration
Yang Ming followed a similar approach to MSC.
Cargo may be discharged at nearby safe ports, with additional costs transferred to cargo owners.
Official notice
https://www.yangming.com/news
ZIM – Route Adjustments and War Risk Premium
ZIM is restructuring routes connected to Israel and Middle East trade lanes.
The carrier introduced a dynamic War Risk Premium (WRS) depending on service routes.
Official update
https://www.zim.com/customer-updates/war-risk-premium-charge-wrp-update
KMTC – War Risk Surcharge
KMTC introduced a War Risk Surcharge for Middle East shipments.
Rates:
Dry cargo
- $2,000 / 20FT
- $3,500 / 40FT
Reefer & Special cargo
- $2,500 / 20FT
- $4,000 / 40FT
Official notice
https://www.ekmtc.com
Global Logistics Impact of the Hormuz Strait Crisis
When instability appears in the Strait of Hormuz, the shipping industry reacts in three predictable ways.
1. Operational restrictions
- booking suspension
- rerouting vessels
- safety buffer zones
2. Risk pricing
- war risk surcharges
- emergency contingency surcharges
3. Network adjustments
- alternative discharge ports
- revised service rotations
The result is clear: higher logistics costs and reduced schedule reliability.
For global shippers and freight forwarders, the key question is no longer whether disruptions will occur.
It is how long the disruption will last.
If the crisis persists, freight markets could see volatility similar to the Red Sea shipping disruption in 2024, when war-risk premiums and rerouting significantly reshaped global freight rates.
In shipping, uncertainty spreads quickly.
And when the Strait of Hormuz becomes unstable, the ripple effects reach every supply chain connected to the sea.