Maersk suspends empty container returns in several Gulf countries

Maersk has announced temporary changes to empty container return procedures for several Gulf countries following the evolving security situation affecting navigation and port operations around the Strait of Hormuz.

The company said the measure has been introduced to protect the safety of vessels, crews and cargo while operational conditions in the region remain uncertain.

Until further notice, empty containers from import shipments will not be accepted at their usual return locations in a number of affected markets. The temporary arrangement applies to imports into the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia (Dammam and Jubail), Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq and Oman (Duqm).

Instead, customers have been instructed to return empty containers only to designated depots in specific regional hubs.

According to Maersk, the approved empty-return locations are Salalah and Sohar in Oman, as well as Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.

The carrier said the temporary operational adjustment will remain in place until further notice while it continues to monitor developments in and around the Strait of Hormuz.

Maersk noted that the changes are intended to ensure safe and stable operations while minimizing disruptions to cargo movements across the Gulf region.

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