The global logistics landscape has entered a period of significant freight volatility following the rapid escalation of the security situation in the Middle East. As of March 2026, military developments in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea have triggered immediate operational shifts across the maritime and aviation sectors.
At EccoFreight, we are leveraging our technological tools and global network to ensure the continuity of your supply chain despite these systemic challenges.
1. Current Status: Maritime & Air Freight Disruptions
The industry is responding to the effective closure of key maritime chokepoints with a focus on crew safety and vessel security.
- Strait of Hormuz & Persian Gulf: Carriers including Maersk, MSC, and Hapag-Lloyd have suspended all vessel crossings through the Strait. Consequently, bookings for cargo destined for the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, and Eastern Saudi Arabia are facing severe interruptions.
- Red Sea & Suez Canal Diversions: Plans for a large-scale return to the Suez route in 2026 have been shelved. Services are once again being diverted via the Cape of Good Hope, impacting all Asia-Europe and Mediterranean trade lanes.
- Airspace Closures: Regional airspace restrictions have led to widespread flight cancellations. Expect significant backlogs in air cargo as airlines reroute around the conflict zone.
- Port Congestion: While major hubs like Jebel Ali have seen temporary operational pauses, we anticipate secondary congestion at transshipment hubs such as Algeciras, Colombo, and Salalah.
2. 2026 Emergency Surcharges & Financial Impact
To offset rising insurance premiums and the operational costs of longer transit routes, carriers have implemented the following ad-hoc surcharges:
| Carrier | Surcharge Type | Estimated Cost (USD) | Effective Date |
| CMA CGM | Emergency Conflict Surcharge (ECS) | $2,000 – $4,000 per container | March 2, 2026 |
| Hapag-Lloyd | War Risk Surcharge (WRS) | $1,500 – $3,500 per container | March 2, 2026 |
| Industry Avg | Deviation/Fuel Surcharge | Variable by trade lane | Immediate |
These surcharges generally apply to all new bookings and, in many cases, to cargo already in transit but not yet discharged.
Strategic Recommendations for Your Supply Chain
As your logistics partner, we recommend the following proactive measures:
- Plan for Extended Lead Times: For any shipments rerouted via the Cape of Good Hope, please add a buffer of 14-21 days to your standard transit windows.
- Review “On Water” Shipments: The EccoFreight team is auditing all active shipments. If your cargo is diverted or discharged at a “safe haven” port, your dedicated account manager will contact you directly.
- Utilize Multimodal Alternatives: For urgent cargo, we are exploring sea-air solutions and alternative landside corridors to bypass high-risk zones.
- Booking Strategy: We suggest holding non-urgent bookings to the Middle East until the situation stabilizes. For essential shipments, prioritize equipment early as reefer and special container availability is tightening.
Sustainable Resilience: In line with our commitment to innovation and sustainability, EccoFreight continues to monitor the environmental impact of these longer routes, providing you with the data needed to balance efficiency with your corporate responsibility goals.
Official Carrier Advisories (March 2026)
Stay updated with the latest notices from our partners:
- Maersk: Middle East Operational Update
- MSC: Booking Suspension Notices
- Hapag-Lloyd: War Risk Surcharge Details
- CMA CGM: Emergency Conflict Advisory
Questions?
Reach out to your EccoFreight Account Manager for a personalized assessment of your shipments.
The EccoFreight Team