Container News is providing continuous updates on how container shipping carriers are responding to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. This coverage monitors operational changes, service halts, rerouting of ships, war risk surcharges, insurance concerns, and port activities that impact trade, especially in and near the Strait of Hormuz.
The article will be updated as new carrier announcements and industry news become available.

**MSC**
28/02/2026:
MSC has stopped taking cargo bookings to the Middle East globally and has directed ships in the Gulf region to find safe havens due to the changing security landscape affecting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb.

**CMA CGM**
28/02/2026 & 01/02/2026
The group emphasized that the safety of its crews is paramount and confirmed that all ships in the Gulf region, and those heading to Gulf ports, have been ordered to proceed to designated safe areas until further notice. Additionally, CMA CGM has halted passage through the Suez Canal.

**OCEAN NETWORK EXPRESS (ONE)**
02/03/2026
Ocean Network Express (ONE) has temporarily stopped accepting new bookings for cargo to and from the Persian Gulf, citing the fast-changing security situation in the Middle East.

**MAERSK**
28/02/2026
Maersk confirmed it is rerouting its ME11 and MECL services around the Cape of Good Hope instead of transiting the Strait of Hormuz.