World’s Second-Largest Shipping Firm Maersk Suspends Cargo Bookings Across West Asia Amid War
Curated By :
Last Updated:March 05, 2026, 02:29 IST
Maersk has halted cargo bookings to several West Asian ports due to war disruptions. Affected ports include UAE, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, most of Oman, and two in Saudi.
resetRapid ReadRapid ReadSummarized by AI.+Maersk halts cargo bookings to several West Asian ports amid warSuspension affects UAE, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, SaudiEssential goods like food and medicine shipments are exempt More Rapid Read Like this summary?Share Your Feedback
Maersk, the world’s second-largest container shipping company that handles a significant share of global trade, said it has suspended cargo bookings to and from several ports in the West Asia region as the ongoing war begins to disrupt global shipping routes.
The company on Wednesday said it will no longer accept cargo bookings involving ports in the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, most of Oman and two ports in Saudi Arabia, according to a report by Barron’s.
Recommended Stories
- 18 of 283 stranded Karnataka residents return from West Asia
- West Asia crisis: Exporters seek support measures; govt ensures all facilitation
- Subtle Message To US? Decoding UAE's Warning Against Using Region As Arena For 'Settling Disputes'
- Qatar, Saudi Arabia Intercept Iranian Drones Targeting Energy Facilities, Bases
However, the suspension will not apply to shipments of critical food supplies, medicines and other essential goods, which will continue to move through the region.
Maersk said the decision was part of operational measures aimed at protecting personnel and safeguarding cargo amid the escalating conflict.
“We are taking operational measures to ensure the safety of our personnel, safeguard your cargo and maintain service stability across affected trades in the Middle East," the company said in a statement accessed by Barron’s.
Maersk had earlier announced that it would reroute vessels bound for the Suez Canal around the southern tip of Africa and suspend all vessel crossings through the Strait of Hormuz as tensions escalate in the region.
The changes mean ships travelling between Asia and Europe may now take longer routes around the Cape of Good Hope, adding time and cost to global shipping, the news agency said in its report.
tags :iran israel warshippingClick here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Check Iran Israel War News Live, Dubai News Today And Lunar Eclipse 2026 In India Updates.
Stay updated with the latest news updates along with key india news and world news. Explore viral news, politics, city news, explainers, and expert opinions on News18. Join the fun, play games on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated!view commentsLocation :Copenhagen, DenmarkFirst Published:March 05, 2026, 02:15 ISTNews world World’s Second-Largest Shipping Firm Maersk Suspends Cargo Bookings Across West Asia Amid WarDisclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Loading comments…Read More
