Global shipping is confronting a significant crisis as the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran.

Hormuz Shutdown: No Passage Allowed
The IRGC has declared a complete blockade of the strait. Iranian naval forces are broadcasting that no vessel will be permitted to pass under any circumstances, according to Reuters. This action effectively traps ships within the Persian Gulf and severs vital trade routes to major hubs like Jebel Ali from global ocean commerce.

With no viable maritime alternative to the Persian Gulf, the closure has created an immediate and severe deadlock for both energy and container shipments.

Major Carriers Divert Services
Leading container lines have already reversed plans to resume services through the Suez Canal in 2026. Maersk has confirmed it is rerouting its ME11 and MECL services around the Cape of Good Hope, bypassing the Red Sea. Similarly, CMA CGM has postponed its plans to reintroduce its FAL1, FAL3, and MEX services to the Red Sea, citing a "complex and uncertain international context."

Given the blockade of Hormuz and the anticipated resumption of Houthi militia attacks in the Red Sea, shipping carriers are prioritizing the safety of their crews and cargo over transit times.

Hapag-Lloyd Suspends Hormuz Transits
Hapag-Lloyd has suspended all vessel transits through the Strait of Hormuz indefinitely. The company stated this decision is a mandatory response to the escalating security situation and the official closure of the waterway, emphasizing that crew, vessel, and cargo safety remain their paramount concern.