Maersk adjusts Gulf shipping routes, introduces new fees amid Middle East instability
Maersk has also revised empty-container return arrangements across the region.
GLOBAL – A.P. Moller-Maersk has issued an operational update covering its Gulf network as the carrier responds to the evolving situation in the Middle East, with the company implementing significant logistical adjustments to protect its people, safeguard cargo integrity and maintain network stability amid heightened regional volatility.
On the landside, Maersk has temporarily paused bookings for cargo moving via the ports of Jeddah and Oman from the UAE and Qatar; from Jeddah to the UAE, Oman, and Qatar; and from Salalah and Sohar to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar.
However, alternative landbridge solutions remain available via Salalah, Khor Fakkan and Aqaba for selected export and import routes across Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE and Iraq.
For terminal operations, cargo booked to Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE will now tranship via Salalah and Khor Fakkan before moving by landbridge to Sharjah, rather than via Jeddah.
Saudi import and export cargo continues to move through Jeddah via the established landbridge.
New Storage and Container Fees
At Jebel Ali, transhipment cargo remaining under transhipment, including cargo staying at the port or moving onward via a landbridge, incurs a temporary storage charge of US$25 per TEU per day from the day of discharge, with reefer plug-in charges applied at actuals where applicable.
Maersk has also revised empty-container return arrangements across the region. Effective immediately and until further notice, empty containers from import shipments into the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia (Jubail), Iraq and Oman (Duqm) will no longer be accepted at the usual return locations.
Empties are instead directed to designated depots in Salalah and Jeddah. Drop-off charges apply at other locations, with returns ranging from free in Bahrain and Aqaba to US$2,055 for a 20-foot container in Ajman.
Empty Pick-Up Charges and Future Outlook
The carrier has also introduced an Empty Pick-Up Charge for non-preferred pickup locations, effective 6 April 2026, with a US$300 charge for 40-foot and reefer containers picked up at Jebel Ali.
These updates include new daily storage fees at Jebel Ali and a mandatory restructuring of the locations where empty containers must be returned.
Lastly, these measures are under constant review to adapt to the evolving security environment in the Gulf region, and the shipping line remains prepared to implement further changes as conditions dictate to sustain service reliability across its Middle East network.
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