Hapag-Lloyd has announced contingency procedures for shipments connected to several Gulf countries due to the ongoing security situation in and around the Upper Gulf, which is impacting vessel movements and port operations. These measures are applicable to cargo already in transit to or from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq (including Umm Qasr), Oman, and Yemen. This follows the earlier suspension of new shipments to and from the region.

Under the contingency plan, vessels may be held in safe waters, experience schedule adjustments, or divert to alternative ports, depending on operational and security conditions. Consequently, cargo may face delays until normal operations can resume safely.

For containers that have been booked but not yet loaded, export shipments where empty containers have not been collected will be canceled. Customers are required to retrieve shipments that have already been gated into terminals, as loading has been suspended.

For cargo already in transit, customers have the option to request a change of destination to another port, contingent upon operational feasibility and revised freight rates. Alternatively, they can arrange for the cargo to be returned to the original port of loading at their own expense. If no instructions are received and alternative arrangements are not possible, the carrier reserves the right to declare the end of the voyage and store the cargo in a secure location.
Hapag-Lloyd has also noted that all shipments remain subject to the previously announced War Risk Surcharge, along with additional operational charges, including demurrage and detention.