Middle East: Dangerous Goods Bookings Suspended During Crisis
Escalating hostilities across the Middle East are causing major disruptions to regional logistics networks, with some ocean carriers now refusing dangerous goods bookings to the wider region as a safety precaution.
The decision reflects growing concerns about operating conditions for vessels and crews as tensions intensify across key trade routes.
The Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed and carriers have cancelled services to and from Gulf states, while some have gone further by suspending routes to the entire Middle East. For those services still operating, at least two major shipping lines have halted dangerous goods shipments to Middle East countries outside the immediate conflict zone.
The carriers in question say the restrictions are intended to protect crew and ensure cargo integrity, while reducing the risk of escalating damage should vessels encounter difficulties. It is currently unclear what will be happening to dangerous goods shipments already aboard vessels.
Air freight operations have been severely impacted in the past week. Much of the Middle East’s airspace is now closed, forcing airlines to postpone thousands of scheduled flights until further notice.
The air space closures are also disrupting long-haul services that typically transit through hubs in the region. Capacity on alternative corridors has tightened, pushing up rates on adjacent trade lanes, such as between Asia and Europe.
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From packaging and documentation to regulatory compliance and staff training, our expertise helps shippers navigate these challenges with confidence. Contact us at info@evolutionforwarding.com or call 0800 4346244 to learn more.
