Maersk updates Gulf operations and landbridge network

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A.P. Moller-Maersk has issued an operational update covering its Gulf network as the carrier responds to the evolving situation in the Middle East, with the company cautioning that all measures remain subject to change given the volatility of the region.

On the landside, Maersk has temporarily paused bookings on cargo moving from the UAE and Qatar via Jeddah and Oman ports, from Jeddah to the UAE, Oman and Qatar, and from Salalah and Sohar to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar. Alternative landbridge solutions remain available via Salalah, Khor Fakkan and Aqaba for select export and import routes across Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE and Iraq.

On terminal operations, cargo booked to Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE will now transship via Salalah and Khor Fakkan before moving by landbridge to Sharjah, rather than via Jeddah. Saudi import and export cargo, including shipments destined for Riyadh and Dammam, continues to move through Jeddah via the established landbridge solution.

© Maersk

At Jebel Ali, transhipment cargo remaining under transhipment, including cargo staying at the port or moving onward via a landbridge, incurs a temporary storage charge of $25 per TEU per day from the day of discharge, with reefer plug-in charges applied at actuals where applicable. Import or change-of-destination cargo cleared at Jebel Ali is billed directly by the terminal under standard tariffs.

Maersk has also revised empty container return arrangements across the region. Effective immediately and until further notice, empty containers from import shipments into the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia (Jubail), Iraq and Oman (Duqm) are no longer accepted at usual return locations. Empties are instead directed to designated depots in Salalah and Jeddah. Drop-off charges apply at other locations, ranging from free returns in Bahrain and Aqaba to $2,055 for a 20-foot container in Ajman.

The carrier has also introduced an Empty Pick-Up Charge for non-preferred pickup locations, effective 6 April 2026, with a $300 charge applying to 40-foot and reefer containers picked up at Jebel Ali.

Maersk states it is implementing these measures to protect its people, safeguard cargo integrity and maintain network stability, with the situation under ongoing review.

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Source: The Plantations International Agroforestry Group of Companies