MSC Halts All Middle East Bookings Amid Regional Security Crisis

Key Details Mediterranean Shipping Co., the world's largest container carrier, suspended all cargo bookings to the Middle East region effective immediately. The Geneva-based liner cited crew safety concerns following escalating military tensions in the region. The company stated it will resume operations once the security situation improves. Why It Matters This suspension removes approximately 73,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of weekly capacity across nine services in the Red Sea and Persian Gulf. MSC had recently expanded its Mideast operations in 2025, adding new routes to North India and South America. The carrier serves 25-30 ports across the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, and Indian Ocean rim. Current Situation At least seven MSC vessels are currently trapped in the Persian Gulf, primarily intra-regional feeders in the 6,000-TEU range. The suspension affects major shipping lanes that have become critical chokepoints for global trade. MSC continues monitoring developments with relevant authorities to determine when operations can safely resume. Industry Impact This marks a significant commercial response by a major liner to regional instability. Shippers should expect service disruptions and increased rates on affected Middle East routes until further notice.