Middle East Conflict Forces Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd to Halt Routes, Divert Ships
Major container shipping lines are suspending key Middle East services and rerouting vessels
as security risks escalate amid the conflict involving Iran, raising concerns for US importers
reliant on trans-Pacific and Asia–Europe trade lanes.
Danish shipping giant Maersk has temporarily halted its FM1 service between the Far East and
the Middle East and its ME11 route linking the Middle East with Europe, citing safety risks to
crews and vessels. The company said the move is precautionary and aimed at minimizing
broader network disruption.
The suspension also affects alliance partner Hapag-Lloyd, which confirmed it has pulled
affected services from its portfolio and halted certain feeder operations in the Gulf region. The
carrier said the deteriorating security environment prompted the decision.
For US shippers, the disruptions are compounding ongoing supply chain uncertainty, particularly
for cargo moving from Asia through the Middle East into European markets or via
interconnected global networks.
Carriers are increasingly diverting vessels away from high-risk areas, including the Strait of
Hormuz, and routing ships around the southern tip of Africa. The longer voyages are expected
to extend transit times and tighten available vessel capacity.
The situation also builds on months of disruption in the Red Sea corridor leading to the Suez
Canal, where attacks on commercial vessels by militants from Yemen have already forced many
carriers to avoid the route.
A brief window for a return to the shorter Suez routing has closed as regional tensions escalated
following recent strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel.
The disruption is beginning to ripple across global supply chains that feed US imports.
According to freight analytics firm Xeneta, at least 147 container ships are currently seeking
shelter in the Gulf, contributing to port congestion and equipment imbalances.
Industry analysts say the combined impact of rerouting, port delays and reduced effective
capacity could put upward pressure on freight rates and lead to longer lead times for US-bound
cargo, particularly as carriers continue to prioritize higher-margin or contracted shipments.
