Value chains in jeopardy over Iran: Maersk diverts its vessels to the Cape of Good Hope

Madrid – Tensions are returning to global value chains following the military conflict that erupted this Saturday, February 28, in the Middle East. This follows coordinated attacks against Iran by the Israeli and US armies. The ayatollahs' regime has already responded to these hostilities, announcing an unpredictable escalation of the conflict. In response, the shipping company Maersk has already taken action, agreeing to divert all its vessels via the Cape of Good Hope.

Shortly after the initial US and Israeli attacks on Iran, part of the US military's 'Epic Fury' operation, Maersk issued an initial warning. The company acknowledged the renewed tensions and uncertainties for global value chains, particularly for oil and gas shipments from Persian Gulf countries. Maersk stated it was monitoring the escalating military conflict “very closely”.

The message emphasised that the company's priority would be to ensure the safety of its staff, assets, and customers' cargo. It also reaffirmed its commitment to mitigating any significant “impact” on supply chains. These priorities, they specified, had already led them to implement “contingency plans”. However, their execution was being assessed on a case-by-case basis for each shipment and vessel en route.

“The safety of our people, our assets and our customers' cargo remains our top priority, and we will continue to monitor the situation and take all necessary measures,” the shipping company announced in a statement dated February 28. They added: “We remain committed to minimising the impact on our customers' supply chains,” for which “we have activated contingency plans.”

“The situation remains volatile, with an impact on air freight operations and some disruptions at terminals in the region,” they detailed. “For the time being, we expect vessel routing decisions to be made on an individual basis,” they added. The message concluded by stating, first, “We will keep our customers informed of the situation and will advise of any specific changes as soon as possible.” Second, “Booking acceptance for the Middle East remains open.”

Diversion to the Cape of Good Hope

Less than 24 hours after that first statement, the shipping company issued a final update, for now, on the situation affecting value chains. This was in light of the growing uncertainties and instability in the region following the conflict in the Persian Gulf. The new communication, dated this Sunday, March 1, 2026, announced the suspension of all voyages from the Middle East and India to the Mediterranean. It also suspended voyages from the Middle East and India to the US East Coast via the Bab el-Mandeb strait and the Suez Canal. This suspension will remain in effect “until further notice”.

As an alternative, it has been decided to divert all vessels on both routes via the Cape of Good Hope. This route diversion will incur the surcharges that the shipping company applies for disruptions in the Gulf of Aden. This is the main sea route for shipments to Europe and the US originating from India and Asia. Maersk will aim to reinstate this as the “priority” route for its vessels as soon as possible.

“Due to the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East region following the escalation of the military conflict, we have decided, in close coordination with our security partners, to temporarily suspend future Trans-Suez sailings through the Bab el-Mandeb strait.” In response, and “until further notice,” the shipping company has warned, “all sailings on the ME11 (Middle East-India to Mediterranean) and MECL (Middle East-India to US East Coast) services will be diverted around the Cape of Good Hope.”

“The safety of our crews, vessels and our customers' cargo remains our top priority, and we will continue to closely monitor the situation and take necessary action,” Maersk reiterated, consistent with its first statement. “We remain committed to minimising the impact on our customers' supply chains and will keep them informed of the situation,” they added. “Once the situation stabilises and security permits, we will continue to prioritise the Trans-Suez route for the ME11 and MECL services, as it is the fastest, most sustainable and efficient way to serve our customers.”

Closure of the Strait of Hormuz

Regarding the situation for the shipping company's freight services on the other side of the Arabian Peninsula and within the Middle East region itself, Maersk has announced the suspension of all shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. This passage is therefore closed to its operations, also until further notice. The decision will naturally mean that any service calling at Persian Gulf ports will experience delays or adjustments. They issued this warning while also reiterating that booking acceptance for cargo destined for the Middle East remains open.

Therefore, “booking acceptance for the Middle East remains open,” Maersk stated, although they insist that “the safety of our crews, vessels and our customers' cargo remains our top priority.” For this reason, and with respect to this other side of the Arabian Peninsula, “we are suspending all vessel transits through the Strait of Hormuz until further notice.” “As a result” of this decision, they added as reported, “services calling at ports in the Persian Gulf may experience delays, diversions or schedule adjustments.”

This article was translated to English using an AI tool.

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