Major Shipping Lines Suspend Middle East Routes Emergently

On March 7, 2026 (local time), two merchant ships were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, significantly escalating security risks at this global energy transportation chokepoint. Forced by the deteriorating situation, major international shipping companies have been compelled to massively adjust their routes, dealing a severe blow to maritime trade in the Middle East region.

1.Incident Overview: Iran Launches Consecutive Strikes on Two Tankers

According to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), in the morning of March 7, a commercial oil tanker named "PRIMA" ignored repeated warnings from the Iranian navy and forcibly entered the Strait of Hormuz, after which it was struck by a drone. Almost simultaneously, Iran's official Borna News Agency reported that the IRGC launched a suicide drone at a commercial oil tanker "LOUIS-P" flying under the flag of the Marshall Islands in the afternoon of the same day, citing it as an "American asset". This marks the second military operation against vessels in the relevant waters by Iran since it attacked a U.S. oil tanker on March 5.

A day prior to the attacks, IRGC spokesperson Abolfazl Shekarchi stated: "We reaffirm the security of the Strait of Hormuz and confirm our control over it, but we will not close it." However, he emphasized that ships related to Israel or the United States shall not pass through.

2.Emergency Response by Shipping Giants: Route Suspensions and Network Adjustments

The consecutive attacks have heightened market concerns over route safety. Major global container shipping lines have responded rapidly.

Maersk: Announced on March 6 that based on the latest risk assessments and operational reviews, it has decided to suspend services on routes connecting the Middle East with Europe and the Far East (FM1 and ME11 routes), as well as shuttle services in the Gulf region. Previously, Maersk had already suspended bookings for refrigerated, dangerous, and special cargo to/from the UAE, Oman, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia starting from March 2, and halted all vessels from passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Hapag-Lloyd: Made the same announcement on the same day, suspending several Middle East route services, including Oman Gulf shuttle services and multiple routes linking Asia with the Persian Gulf, India, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. The company had already suspended all vessels from transiting the Strait of Hormuz on March 1.

Other carriers: MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) has suspended new bookings for cargo destined for the Middle East globally and instructed relevant vessels to proceed to safe waters. CMA CGM has suspended transit through the Suez Canal and diverted vessels via the Cape of Good Hope, while also stopping acceptance of dangerous cargo bookings for multiple Middle Eastern countries. COSCON (China Ocean Shipping (Group) Company) also announced the suspension of new bookings for voyages to/from ports in multiple Middle Eastern countries.

3.Industry Impacts: Supply Chain Disruptions and Soaring Costs

The simultaneous actions of shipping giants indicate that the risk of disruption to Middle East trade corridors is evolving from short-term disturbances into structural pressures.

Near-paralysis of shipping: According to a report released by the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) on March 6, the number of vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped to single digits, with only two confirmed commercial transits observed in the past 24 hours, meaning commercial shipping has almost completely ceased.

Surge in freight rates and surcharges: To cover risks and increased operational costs, Maersk announced an increase in emergency surcharges for cargo to/from affected Middle Eastern countries, set at USD 1,800 per 20-foot dry container and USD 3,000 per 40-foot dry container. CMA CGM has imposed an Emergency Conflict Surcharge (ECS) on dangerous goods, amounting to USD 2,000 per 20-foot dry container and USD 3,000 per 40-foot dry container.

Volatility in energy markets: The Strait of Hormuz is the 必经 passage for approximately 20% of global oil trade and large volumes of liquefied natural gas (LNG). The shipping disruption has directly impacted global crude oil supply, causing international oil prices to surge on March 6. The front-month U.S. crude oil contract closed up 12.67%, and Brent crude oil closed up 9.26%. Qatar's Minister of State for Energy Affairs stated that the country has suspended LNG production, and even if the conflict ends immediately, it will take weeks and months to restore normal supply levels.

Widespread supply chain shocks: Experts point out that the comprehensive suspension of services in and around the Strait of Hormuz by major container shipping lines will not only directly affect corporate revenues but also be transmitted to downstream manufacturing and consumer industries through rising freight rates and supply chain delays, increasing inflationary pressures.

4.Alternatives and Emergency Measures

To ensure cargo transportation, various companies have introduced alternative solutions:

Opening new routes: Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have each launched new routes bypassing the Cape of Good Hope (e.g., Maersk's AE19 route) and added a call at Saudi Arabia's Jeddah Islamic Port.

Adjusting operational strategies: MSC has launched a transportation solution for inland Iraq, combining its Tiger and Phoenix routes with land transportation to deliver cargo to destinations such as Zakho, Dohuk, and Baghdad. COSCON stated that for cargo already in transit, it is evaluating subsequent disposal plans including alternative discharge ports.

5.Outlook: Persisting Risks, Uncertain Future

Industry insiders believe that against the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions, the route adjustments by liner companies provide new pathways for regional cargo flow. Nevertheless, with the persistent risk of military conflicts, the security situation in the Middle East routes remains uncertain. Iran has clearly stated its control over the strait and issued warnings to specific vessels, while the cancellation or sharp increase in shipping insurance war risk premiums makes commercial passage extremely difficult both physically and financially. Shipping lines and shippers must remain highly vigilant and be prepared for long-term responses to supply chain disruptions and rising costs.

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