Due to the deteriorating situation in the Middle East, we have received multiple updates from shipping lines and airlines over the past few days.

Effective immediately, most (if not all) sea freight carriers will be implementing war risk surcharges for shipments heading to or already in the Middle East – these surcharges apply to cargo booked, cargo loaded but not yet sailed, any new bookings and any cargo currently on the water.

In general, all shipping lines are giving similar updates and to expect:

• Active schedule disruptions and reduced reliability
• Rolled cargo and potential port omissions
• Tightening of regional capacity and equipment imbalances
• Implementation and adjustment of war risk and emergency surcharges
• Higher insurance premiums and freight rate volatility
• Possible secondary effects across global trade lanes

Due to the closing of the Suez and potential closing of the Strait of Hormuz we believe that most ports in the Middle East wil be under sustained pressure for some time.

With regards to airfreight, we have been informed that the following countries have restricted access to their airspace:

• Iran
• Israel
• Iraq
• Jordan
• Kuwait
• Qatar
• Syria
• United Arab Emirates

We expect the closure of airspace to contribute towards higher costs and delays across most airfreight services.

We are working closely with our airfreight partners to ensure we are kept up to date with any new developments and we wil of course do our best to keep our customers updated with the latest information.

Should you have any questions please feel free to reach out to your usual points of contact or you can call the office on 01304 831 668.

Kind regards,
Charlie Moore