Shipping Lines Hide Fees Behind 'Free' Gulf Container Storage

Key Details Major carriers are offering extended free storage for containers stuck in the Persian Gulf, then charging shippers a separate fee for the service. Hapag-Lloyd advertises 10 days free time on diverted empties but tacks on a $25 flat fee for truck returns. Maersk suspended empty container returns to Gulf ports entirely, forcing importers to reroute through Oman or Saudi Arabia - or pay up to $3,000 per box for exceptions. Why It Matters These hidden charges are squeezing your bottom line during an already costly regional disruption. With 20,000 mariners and workers trapped in the Gulf, shipping lines are capitalizing on chaos by repackaging mandatory fees as optional services. The terminology masks the true cost of doing business in these waters. Geopolitical Standoff Multiple nations including Australia, Germany, Italy and Japan rejected Trump's request for naval escorts through the Strait of Hormuz. Europe signaled no interest in prolonged military involvement, with officials stating 'this is not Europe's war.' The standoff has stalled tanker traffic carrying 20% of global crude oil. The International Maritime Organization meets March 18-19 to address the crisis affecting 20,000 maritime workers.