Ocean carriers divert cargo to Middle East networks, straining infrastructure as truck volumes surge amid US-Iran tensions, reports S&P Global.
Ocean carriers are diverting stranded cargo into Middle East road and rail networks, straining infrastructure not designed for such volumes, reports London's S&P Global.
CMA CGM has joined Hapag-Lloyd, Maersk, Ocean Network Express, and Zim in deploying road, rail, and feeder services to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, which is currently closed due to the US-Iran war. Hapag-Lloyd stated that longer cross-country trucking distances are adding pressure to the system.
Crane Worldwide Logistics has noted growing customs delays and shortages across Oman, Fujairah, and Saudi corridors. DHL Global Forwarding reported congestion at ports such as Khor Fakkan, where ships are facing delays of more than 10 days and long truck queues.
CMA CGM is offering alternative transport solutions linking the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan via ports including Khor Fakkan, Fujairah, Sohar, and Jeddah. The carrier is utilizing logistics corridors to connect Gulf hubs with regional road and maritime transport.
Maersk has indicated that it is using Salalah and Khor Fakkan for eastbound cargo and Jeddah for European shipments, deploying trucks across the Arabian Peninsula. Other carriers, including MSC and Yang Ming, have declared
