Middle East Conflict Disrupts Global Supply Chains, Maersk Adapts
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is significantly disrupting global trade routes and supply chains, forcing major shipping companies like Maersk to adapt operations and prioritize safety. The situation, which began as a localized conflict, has expanded to impact land, sea, and air corridors, with ripple effects felt worldwide.
Safety and Operational Adjustments
Maersk’s primary focus remains the safety of its personnel – both directly and indirectly employed – working in and around the affected region. As of March 13, 2026, all Maersk staff in terminals, ports, on vessels, and in regional offices are reported safe.1 The company is prioritizing cargo flows while navigating an increasingly unpredictable environment.
Impact on Cargo Volumes
Maersk typically handles approximately 20,000 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) per week into the Gulf region, with a similar volume outbound.1 Customers with cargo destined for or originating from the Gulf are facing significant challenges, prompting Maersk to explore solutions such as temporary storage, container returns, and identification of alternative ports.
Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea Disruptions
The Strait of Hormuz is experiencing a near standstill in commercial traffic due to security concerns and insurance risks, with over 150 vessels currently anchored or delayed in the Gulf awaiting improved security conditions.2 renewed Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea have led most large container carriers to reinstate diversions around the Cape of Decent Hope, adding 10-15 days to transit times.2
Service Suspensions and Route Changes
In response to the escalating risks, Maersk has temporarily suspended its FM1 Service (Far East to Middle East) and its ME11 Service (Middle East to Europe).3 The company had already interrupted bookings from several Gulf and Middle East states prior to these suspensions.3 the ME1 service, connecting the Middle East to Northern Europe, will no longer stop at Dubai’s Jebel Ali port.3 MSC remains the most assertive major line, declaring an “End of Voyage” for shipments destined for Arabian Gulf ports, with cargo being discharged at the next safe port.2
Fuel Supply Concerns
A growing challenge is emerging regarding the global distribution of fuel, impacting both ocean and air transportation. With over 20% of the world’s oil – and a significant portion of marine fuel – originating from the Gulf region, operational consistency within the global shipping network is at risk.1 Maersk is proactively adjusting its fuel supply chain, redistributing fuel to ensure vessels can bunker where needed and maintain trade flow.1
Prioritizing Essential Goods
Maersk is prioritizing essential cargo, such as food and medicine, bound for the region. The company is securing trucking capacity to transport cargo into the Gulf from ports outside the immediate conflict zone, for example, utilizing routes from Europe through Jeddah and then overland via trucks.1 Acceptance of non-essential cargo has been temporarily paused, with ongoing assessments to resume acceptance when conditions allow.1
Looking Ahead
The situation in the Middle East remains fluid, and unpredictable. Maersk continues to monitor developments closely and adapt its operations to ensure the safety of its personnel and the continuity of essential trade flows. Customers are advised to visit Maersk.com for the latest updates and information.
1 Maersk: Middle East Conflict Impact on Global Supply Chains
2 GCCA: Middle East Conflict Disruption Updates & Situation Report – March 12, 2026
3 Supply Chain Brain: Maersk Suspends More Container Services Due to Middle East Risks
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