Maersk Keeps Booking Suspension for Upper Gulf Ports; Strait of Hormuz Transits Remain Halted

In its latest Middle East operational update (No. 39), published on Thursday, July 16, 2026, shipping line Maersk said it is maintaining its suspension of cargo bookings for much of the Upper Gulf, citing "highly volatile" conditions. The affected areas include Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia's eastern ports (Dammam and Al Jubail), and most UAE ports except Khor Fakkan. The suspension covers imports, exports, and transshipment cargo.

Maersk also said transits of its vessels through the Strait of Hormuz remain suspended, and that it is expanding overland "landbridge" alternatives via Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman, and the UAE to keep cargo moving. The disruption to Gulf shipping could raise regional trade and supply-chain costs.