Further to our previous advisories and considering the evolving security situation in and around the Upper Gulf region, vessel movements and port operations across the region may be affected. To ensure the safety of our crews, vessels, cargo, and operations – which remains our highest priority – we have taken precautionary measures.

Following the suspension of all shipments to and from the aforementioned region, contingency procedures will be implemented for shipments that are already in transit to and from the following countries: United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq (including Umm Qasr), Oman, Yemen.

Operational impact

Due to the current circumstances, the following operational adjustments may occur:

• Schedule disruptions including changes to port calls and transit times
• Vessels may remain in safe waters until it is possible to proceed safely
• Cargo may experience delays until normal operations can safely resume
• Vessels may deviate to contingency ports depending on operational and security considerations

Any such operational adjustments will be implemented in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Hapag-Lloyd Bill of Lading/Sea Waybill, including Matters Affecting Performance provisions where applicable.

Containers already booked but not yet loaded
In order to manage operational constraints, customers are advised to review existing bookings and container movements carefully.

Please note the following:

• Export shipments where the empty container has not yet been picked up will be cancelled.
• Export shipments, which are already gated in at the terminal for loading should be picked up again by customers since loading of such shipments has been suspended.
• Container storage, rerouting costs, and other operational charges apply where containers remain in terminals or require additional handling.

Next steps

We continue to closely monitor the situation and remain in close coordination with relevant authorities and partners to minimize disruption and resume normal operations as soon as conditions allow.

Source: Hapag-Lloyd