MSC, the world's largest container carrier, has declared force majeure on all Arabian Gulf services, invoking 'end of voyage' clauses and offloading cargo at the nearest available port. Deviation costs are being passed directly to shippers, creating immediate financial and operational exposure for all cargo destined for Jebel Ali, Bandar Abbas, and regional ports. Freight forwarders and importers must urgently audit in-transit shipments and activate contingency routing via alternative hubs such as Salalah or Colombo.
Rate Direction
Volatile +35.00%
Time Horizon
immediate
Confidence
82%
Routes Affected
Persian Gulf / Strait of Hormuz / Indian Ocean / Red Sea
Ports / Terminals
Jebel Ali / Bandar Abbas / Fujairah / Abu Dhabi / Dammam / Kuwait / Salalah / Colombo
Carriers
MSC
Source
https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/containers/msc-terminates-all-arabian-gulf-shipmentspublished 04 Mar 2026, 06:45 UTC