Update: Ocean Freight measures for shipments to and from the Gulf Region

Ocean Freight Situation

DSV is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East and is coordinating its activities with carriers, partners and local authorities. The safety of our employees, the continuity of our operations and the supply chains of our customers remain our top priorities.

As a result of the current situation, carriers have introduced additional measures for shipments to several destinations in the Gulf region. These measures may affect available capacity, costs and transit times.

Booking suspension for the Gulf Region 

A full booking suspension is currently in place for several destinations in the Gulf region. This means that, until further notice, no new bookings will be accepted to and from the following countries:

• Iraq
• Bahrain
• Kuwait
• Qatar
• United Arab Emirates

This measure will remain in effect until the security situation in the region stabilizes.

New Surcharges

Due to the sharp increase in fuel costs, carriers have introduced an Emergency Fuel Surcharge (EFS). This development is not limited to the directly affected region but is impacting all trade lanes worldwide.

As a result, DSV will implement an Emergency Fuel Surcharge from 23 March 2026. This rate is based on the weighted average of several shipping lines that have recently announced a similar surcharge.

The Emergency Fuel Surcharge applies to:

• Dry and reefer containers (per TEU)
• LCL shipments (based on a w/m rate)

The EFS is an additional fuel surcharge and does not replace existing bunker charges. It will therefore be applied on top of the current bunker surcharges.

To determine whether this surcharge applies to your shipments, we recommend contacting your usual DSV contact. They will be able to inform you about the current rates and the potential impact on your transport.

Additionally, extra surcharges have been introduced for reefer shipments due to increased security risks. These surcharges apply per reefer container and may apply to:

• New bookings
• Existing bookings that have not yet been shipped
• Cargo that is already in transit

Cargo Diversions

For vessels destined for ports in the Arabian/Persian Gulf, a so-called End of Voyage may be declared.

This means that shipments may not be transported to the originally intended port of discharge but may instead be diverted to a safe alternative port. In such cases:

• the cargo will be discharged at an alternative safe port
• containers will be made available there for collection 
• empty containers must be returned at the port where the voyage has been terminated

DSV will coordinate the next steps with affected customers. Customers will be asked to provide instructions for the onward handling of their cargo. The following options are currently available:

1. Delivery at the contingency port: Cargo can be delivered at the diversion port where the Bill of Lading will be completed. Equipment must be returned at the same port of discharge. 
2. Delivery to a customer-nominated destination by road or rail: Cargo can be transported onward to a designated location, subject to agreement on pricing and capacity availability. 
3. Change of Destination (COD): Cargo may be rerouted to an alternative port of your choice, subject to agreement on pricing, service availability, and operational feasibility given the current situation.

Any additional costs arising from handling cargo at this alternative port – such as storage, plug-in charges, detention, demurrage and other port-related costs – will be for the account of the cargo owner.

If you have shipments currently in transit or planned for the Gulf region and would like advice on possible alternatives, please contact your usual DSV contact. Our teams will be happy to assist you in finding the best solution for your supply chain.