Ports, airspace and key logistics hubs across the Gulf remain disrupted due to ongoing security disruptions. Commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz remains significantly restricted, triggering fuel supply concerns and vessel diversions worldwide. Alternative Routing via Oman, Saudi Arabia and GCC Green Corridors.

 

12.03

Fuel oil (VLSFO) has now risen more than 80%, as Flexport reported

Across the top 20 global ports, the average price of very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) used by most container ships running on fuel without scrubbers has now risen more than 80% since the disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The average price of IFO380 fuel, which can be used on vessels with scrubbers, has risen more than 70%.

Source: https://www.flexport.com/blog/middle-east-escalation-disrupts-global-ocean-and-air-freight-networks/

 

12.03

Maersk chartered ship hit north of Jebel AIi

The container ship Source Blessing was sixth vessel for the 12/03 to have been struck. The box ship was struck “by an unknown projectile” around 35 miles north of Jebel Ali, all crew are safe according to UKMTO reports from the master.

Source: https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/security/cosco-ship-hit-north-of-jebel-aii

 

12.03

Global ports operator DP World expects rising volumes at its Red Sea terminals amid regional tensions

Most major Gulf ports are reachable only via the narrow Hormuz waterway. Jebel Ali in Dubai remains fully operational with no infrastructure damage but is seeing lower inbound vessel traffic.

Sources: https://infomarine.net/en/global-shipping-news/19-world-maritime-news/67184-dp-world-sees-rising-demand-at-red-sea-hubs-due-to-iran-tensions.html

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/dp-world-jebel-ali-port-fully-operational-inbound-vessel-traffic-reduced-2026-03-12/

 

12.03

Operations at the Port of Salalah in Oman have been suspended

Operations at the Port of Salalah in Oman have been suspended following an attack that damaged fuel storage tanks in the port.

Source: https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/ports-logistics/operations-at-port-of-salalah-suspended-following-drone-attack

 

13.03

Port Operations update from Maersk

All terminals in the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait are fully operational. The port of Bahrain has suspended operations. In Oman, Salalah suspends operations after drone incident on fuel tanks.

Sources: https://www.maersk.com/news/articles/2026/03/04/situation-middle-east-port-operation-updates

 

13.03

Dubai and Oman launch green corridor amid maritime disruptions

In the UAE, Dubai Customs has launched a Green Corridor between Dubai and Oman’s seaports to facilitate cargo movement via land routes and streamline customs procedures.

Under the initiative, shipments arriving at Omani ports can be transported to Dubai through designated border crossings, where they undergo final customs clearance before entering the local market or free zones.

Source: https://news.mesteel.com/gcc-activates-alternative-logistics-corridors-amid-shipping-disruptions/

https://theloadstar.com/dubai-and-oman-open-green-corridor-for-smoother-cargo-flows/

 

13.03

Supertankers build up in Red Sea as Saudi Arabia races to bypass Hormuz.

Saudi Arabia’s efforts to bypass the Strait of Hormuz have led to a buildup of oil supertankers waiting off the kingdom’s Red Sea coast to collect cargoes, as the country seeks to overcome significant disruption affecting regional maritime routes.

Source: https://gcaptain.com/supertankers-build-up-in-red-sea-as-saudi-arabia-races-to-bypass-hormuz/

 

15.03

Market Outlook:  Possible that Red Sea diversions could remain in place throughout 2026. Market momentum shifts toward carriers. Freight rates are expected to rise.

According to container market analyst at Braemar, rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope could cut effective overcapacity to roughly 5% in 2026, 11% in 2027, and about 22% in 2028.

Chief analyst at Xeneta, said the current situation has quickly altered freight market dynamics. He noted that the renewed tensions in the Middle East have strengthened carriers’ pricing power. Carriers now have the upper hand and are in no rush, as they expect elevated freight rates in the near term.

Source: https://www.globaltrademag.com/middle-east-conflict-rewrites-container-shipping-outlook-easing-overcapacity-fears/

 

16.03

Iran has warned that logistical and service facilities supporting the United States aircraft carrier strike group could be considered potential military targets

According to regional media reports, authorities in Tehran stated that logistical support facilities providing services to the American carrier group deployed in the Red Sea are now viewed as part of the vessel’s operational network.

Source: https://openthemagazine.com/world/iran-threatens-to-target-support-network-of-uss-gerald-r-ford