Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) has temporarily suspended new bookings to several Gulf nations due to rising tensions in the Middle East and limitations on maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz. As a safety precaution, the company has instructed its vessels to keep a safe distance from the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.

**Booking Suspension**

OOCL has instructed all its offices to cease accepting new bookings to and from the following countries until further notice:

* Bahrain
* Saudi Arabia
* Qatar
* Kuwait
* Oman
* Iraq
* United Arab Emirates

The company noted that Asia–Jeddah dry cargo shipments are presently exempt from this suspension.

**Cargo Already in Transit**

For shipments already en route to the affected regions, OOCL recommends that customers reach out to their representatives to explore the possibility of rerouting to alternative destinations.

The shipping line is also assessing alternative discharge ports for cargo currently on board its vessels. Any adjustments will adhere to the terms and conditions stipulated in the company's bills of lading.

OOCL stated that it will continue to issue updates via its customer service channels as the situation evolves.

*This article originally appeared on Container News.*