MSC Halts Gulf Shipments, Adds $800 Per Container Surcharge Over Iran Conflict

Key Details Mediterranean Shipping Co. announced March 3 that all cargo bound for Arabian Gulf ports will be rerouted to safer discharge locations. The shipping giant is charging shippers $800 per container to cover deviation costs associated with the operational changes. Why It Matters After U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran February 28, Tehran retaliated with drone and missile attacks on Persian Gulf ports and vessels. Iranian forces have effectively blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, forcing major carriers to abandon the region entirely and pass costs to shippers. What's Changing MSC's "End of Voyage" declaration applies to all containerized cargo destined for Gulf ports, including empty containers already released for export. Affected shipments will be diverted to the next safe port for discharge. Shippers bear all handling, storage, and delivery expenses under existing bill of lading terms. Next Steps Customers requiring onward forwarding must book new shipments through their MSC agency. The mandatory surcharge applies to all affected containers, with discharge-related costs falling solely on shippers. This move reflects the escalating security risks in one of the world's most critical shipping corridors.