WHAT’S THE LATEST

Update as of March 4: As conflict in the Middle East continues, major ocean carriers—including MSC and CMA CGM—have issued emergency notices invoking clauses within their Bills of Lading that allow them to terminate voyages early and divert vessels to safe ports of their choosing.  

Under these declarations, carriers may end the transport contract prior to final destination and offload containers at an alternative port, in which all costs and responsibilities shift to shippers. 

These measures will result in:

  • Mandatory surcharges applied per affected container
  • Diversions to contingency discharge ports
  • All handling, storage, and onward transport charges becoming the responsibility of the cargo owner
  • Potential delays and operational uncertainty across the Arabian Gulf region 

SEKO continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as new information becomes available.

WHAT WE KNOW

MSC: End of Voyage Declaration

MSC has issued an End of Voyage Declaration for all shipments bound for the Arabian Gulf, including empties already released for export.  

Key updates:

  • All cargo currently en route will be diverted to the next designated safe port of discharge, where it will be placed at the customer’s disposal. 
  • Shippers will assume full responsibility at the discharge port, including local handling, storage, ancillary fees, and all onward transportation costs. 
  • A mandatory surcharge per container applies to all impacted shipments without exception. As of 3/3, the surcharge is USG 800 per container for all impacted shipments. 

CMA CGM: Emergency Measures 

CMA CGM has implemented emergency measures affecting shipments to/from: 

  • Iraq (Umm Qasr)
  • Bahrain
  • Kuwait
  • Yemen
  • Qatar
  • Oman
  • The UAE
  • Saudi Arabia 

Key updates:

  • Carriers may divert vessels to contingency ports under Clause 10 of the CMA CGM Bill of Lading and Force Majeure provisions.
  • An Emergency Conflict Surcharge (ECS) took effect 3/2 for all cargo types.
  • Customers will be required to provide onward movement instructions once cargo is discharged at the substituted port. 
  • All local port charges, handling, storage, and inland transport costs will be the responsibility of the cargo owner. 

Global Cargo Context  

The Middle East is a critical node for East–West ocean trades. Restrictions around the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf ports are creating schedule volatility, congestion at diversion ports and increased cost pressures across global networks. 

SEKO'S GUIDANCE

Given the escalating operational constraints and sudden implementation of End of Voyage and Force Majeure clauses, SEKO recommends that shippers: 

  • Plan for vessel diversions and additional transit time across all Middle East–bound lanes.
  • Expect surcharges and new cost structures associated with unplanned discharge ports.
  • Prepare for increased handling, storage, and inland transport expenses at contingency ports.
  • Engage SEKO immediately for contingency options, cost estimates, and routing alternatives.
  • Review urgent or sensitive shipments and evaluate whether rerouting or mode diversification is necessary. 

The situation remains highly dynamic, and SEKO will continue issuing updates as developments occur.

If you have questions, please reach out to your SEKO representative, or email us at hello@sekologistics.com.