Maersk has introduced emergency freight surcharges of up to $4,800 per container on shipments affected by disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz.
The surcharge applies to cargo loaded from or destined for Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Dammam and Jubail in Saudi Arabia, and Oman, excluding Salalah.
The carrier has set the emergency charge at $1,800 for 20-foot dry containers and $3,000 for 40-foot dry containers. Refrigerated containers and equipment carrying special or dangerous cargo will attract a surcharge of $3,800 per container.
An additional $1,000 per container will apply to cargo transported aboard vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, covering higher insurance costs and crew risk compensation.
Maersk said the charges will help cover additional costs arising from alternative routings, storage, extra transportation and the movement of cargo from temporary storage facilities to final destinations once onward transport becomes safe.
The carrier is routing Upper Gulf cargo through Salalah and Khor Fakkan, while Saudi import and export cargo will continue through Jeddah. Booking restrictions remain in place across parts of the region, particularly for refrigerated, dangerous, out-of-gauge and other specialised cargo.
Maersk said priority attention will be given to essential food, medicines and other perishable goods.