Following the significant military escalation between the United States, Israel, and Iran over the weekend of February 28, 2026, we are providing a high-level briefing on the immediate and profound disruptions to global ocean and air freight networks.

The situation remains extremely fluid. Our primary focus is the safety of personnel and the security of your cargo. Below is a summary of the current impact on global trade lanes.

Ocean Freight: Strategic Chokepoints and Rerouting

The maritime landscape has shifted overnight, with the following critical developments:

• Strait of Hormuz Closure & Liberty Clauses: Following retaliatory threats and reported radio warnings from Iranian authorities, the Strait of Hormuz is effectively impassable. Under standard "Liberty Clauses" and BIMCO provisions, carriers have the legal right to terminate the voyage at any safe port of their choosing if the original destination is deemed a "War Risk."
• Alternative Discharge & Onward Transit Challenges: Cargo may be discharged at alternative ports (e.g., in Oman or the UAE's east coast) at the merchant's risk and expense. We anticipate massive delays in moving this cargo to its final destination. This is due to a severe shortage of truckers capable of handling the unexpected "last-mile" haulage over significantly increased distances from these unplanned Ports of Discharge (PODs).
• Cape of Good Hope Detours: Industry plans to return to the Suez Canal have been shelved. East-west services are reverting to the Cape detour, adding 10–14 days to standard transit times.
• War Risk Surcharges: Carriers have introduced Emergency Surcharges ranging from $1,500 to $4,000 per container for the region. All additional transshipment, storage, and trucking costs from alternative ports will be for the account of the cargo owner.

Air Freight: Airspace Restrictions and Capacity

The air cargo market is facing immediate volatility as Middle Eastern hubs—the "crossroads" of global trade—are impacted:

• Airspace Closures: Extensive "No-Fly Zones" have been established over Iran and Iraq. International carriers are rerouting flights, leading to longer flight times and increased fuel consumption.
• Hub Disruptions: Operations at major transshipment hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar are facing interruptions. Several airlines have imposed temporary booking stops for cargo moving through the region.
• Rate Increases: Due to the sudden reduction in capacity, we expect sharp upward pressure on air freight spot rates.

Our Commitment

We are actively monitoring all shipments currently in transit. Our teams are working to secure alternative routings - including sea-air solutions and rail-land bridges where viable - to mitigate these disruptions.

Next Steps

Please anticipate extended lead times and additional cost assessments for all shipments transiting the Middle East. We recommend reviewing your inventory levels and forecasting requirements for the coming quarter immediately.

CONTACT US

Please contact our experts for further advice. We will keep you closely informed.

HOW CAN WE SUPPORT YOU?

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