After the USA and Israel started the military operation against Iran, the Strait of Hormuz was blocked, so all shipping lines stopped processing shipments to the affected area.
For example, for one of our clients in Kuwait, the vessel that was already in the Persian Gulf was forced to discharge instead of Shuwaikh, but in Khor Fakkan, UAE. Different country, different area.
The email from MSC was saying:
Dear Customer,
Further to the recent MSC Customer Advisory regarding the evolving security situation in the Middle East, please be informed that bookings to the affected region have been temporarily suspended until further notice.With reference to the below shipment which is currently on water, please be informed that the connecting vessel MSC IVANA QC605A will omit the remaining Middle East ports. As a result, the cargo will be discharged at KHOR AL FAKKAN due to the current operational restrictions arising from the geopolitical situation in the Middle East region.
POL: SEMARANG
Connecting Vessel / Voyage: MSC IVANA QC605A
Discharged POD: KHOR AL FAKKAN
With this arrangement, you may proceed with the necessary import clearance formalities and arrange collection of the cargo at the above-mentioned discharge port.
Please kindly note that any additional costs arising will be under customer account
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding.
MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company
Besides it, MSC, for example add additional 800 USD per container as a surcharge due to the situation. And also announced the end of voyage for all shipments, by MSC.
Can you imagine our client’s reaction when MSC just said, sorry, guys, we dropped your container at another port in another country.
Dear Valued Customers,
In light of the ongoing situation in the Middle East, MSC regrets to inform you that it is compelled to declare an End of Voyage for all shipments currently under MSC’s custody and care, whether located ashore or at sea, and
destined for ports in the Arabian Gulf.
This measure also applies to all empty containers that have already been released for stuffing and are intended for export to the above-mentioned destinations.
All shipments currently en route will be diverted to the next safe port of discharge. At that location, cargo will be discharged and placed at customers’ disposal for local delivery and recovery.
A mandatory surcharge of USD 800 per container will apply to all affected shipments, without exception, to cover deviation costs. Furthermore, all discharge-related expenses — including, but not limited to, handling, storage,
and any ancillary charges — shall be for the sole account and risk of the cargo, in accordance with the MSC Sea Waybill / Bill of Lading Terms and Conditions, particularly Clause 13 (Special Circumstances).
Should customers wish to have their cargo forwarded to an alternative destination, a new transport booking must be arranged through the usual MSC agency channels.
Customers are kindly requested to contact their local MSC office to obtain details regarding the designated port of discharge and to confirm instructions for local recovery arrangements.
If you think that MSC is charging a lot more than other shipping lines, like OVP shipping, which usually delivers to Russia, it is annouced about the implementation of the Emergency Conflict Surcharge (ECS) will be implemented for containers:
- USD 2000 per 20′ Dry Container
- USD 4000 per 40′ Dry Container
If you try to request a quote in MSC website, it will tell you that there is no vessel available. While Beirut, Aqaba, and Latakia are still available.
UPD: 10 March – Yes, we can deliver to Kuwait, Umm Qasr, and Jebel Ali
Just get update from MSC that even sea routes are closed, but still possible to deliver via inland transportation to the Gulf via King Abdullah and Jeddah.
So we can ship your containers to King Abdullah and Jeddah port, and from there by train or truck to your final destination: Damman, Riyadh, Jubail, Bahrain, Kuwait, Hamad, Jebel Ali, and Abu Dhabi.
Our online Shisha Charcoal Shipping Cost Calculator is already updated with new prices, including inland transportation and additional charges.
- Payment Method - March 10, 2026
- Design - March 10, 2026
- Update for shipping after start of Iran War in 2026 - March 7, 2026
