WELCOME to our rolling updates on the crisis unfolding in the Middle East and its impact upon shipping, trade and transport. We will add new information as it becomes available, with time stamps to show the latest updates.
In notices to customers, A. P. Moller–Maersk announced intermodal fuel fees for customers in Australia and New Zealand.
"The recent surge in global energy prices — amplified by the evolving security situation in the Middle East and its impact on worldwide fuel availability — continues to place significant pressure on logistics and intermodal transportation markets. With approximately 20% of global fuel passing through the Strait of Hormuz, current developments have created an unprecedented cost environment affecting Landside (Inland) and Intermodal operations," the shipping line stated.
To ensure service continuity, safeguard cargo integrity, and secure sufficient vendor capacity across our network, A. P. Moller–Maersk will implement temporary, cost reflective energy/fuel price adjustments on Landside Transportation.
Effective from 16 March 2026 and until further notice A. P. Moller–Maersk is implementing an intermodal fuel fee (EFS/IFS).
Current surcharges by state are outlined below and will be reviewed monthly in line with costs & how the global situation develops.
"Given the volatility of the current energy market, further adjustments may be required as conditions evolve," the shipping line stated.
"We understand the impact these measures may have on your operations and remain committed to supporting your logistics needs through this challenging period."
In New Zealand, A. P. Moller–Maersk is also implementing an intermodal fuel fee (EFS/IFS).
Current surcharges are outlined below and will be reviewed monthly in line with costs & how the global situation develops.
Shipping line CMA CGM says it is mobilising to support supply chains to ensure continuity of trade to and from the Middle East.
This is in the context of the war between Iran and Israel/ United States which has blocked both container and tanker ships in the Persian Gulf.
“Given the situation in the Middle East and restrictions affecting maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, CMA CGM’s top priority remains the safety of its crews and employees,” a spokesperson said.
“In this context of significant navigational constraints, CMA CGM is mobilising to support its customers’ supply chains and ensure continuity of trade to and from the Middle East.”
The company says by leveraging its global network and integrated logistics capabilities, the group is deploying alternative multimodal solutions combining sea, rail, and road transport to maintain the smooth flow of logistics despite the situation in Hormuz.
These include “secure logistics corridors” via the United Arab Emirates
Positioned south of the Strait of Hormuz, Khor Fakkan, Fujairah, and Sohar are said to serve as “strategic entry points” to the Gulf.
From these ports, CMA CGM says it offers logistics corridors to serve the main hubs in the UAE (Khalifa, Jebel Ali, Sharjah and other countries bordering the Arabian Gulf via a combination of regional road and maritime transport.
“This multimodal organisation ensures continuity and efficiency of supply chains in the region,” a spokesperson said.
The port of Jeddah on the Red Sea is also said to provide an alternative to passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
“From Jeddah, CMA CGM has established road corridors, with or without maritime connections, for onward delivery to Saudi Arabia (Dammam), the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iraq,” the spokesperson said.
This setup is also said to allow flows to connect to the Mediterranean and Asia without exposure to the strait.
“CMA CGM also leverages Omani ports to provide a third major alternative road route,” the company said in a statement.
“These ports enable road connections to the UAE and northern Gulf countries combining road and feeder services, offering a reliable alternative for regional and cross-border flows.
“Through this setup, CMA CGM confirms its ability to anticipate geopolitical risks and provide robust, flexible, and secure logistics solutions in support of international trade.”
Meanwhile Reuters has reported the IMO is calling for a safe corridor to free 20,000 seafarers who are effectively trapped in the Persian Gulf.
According to the news outlet, the proposal was submitted at a meeting of the IMO in London.
"The purpose of this framework would be to facilitate the safe evacuation of merchant ships," it said. "This measure aims to protect the lives of seafarers."
The IMO session is being chaired by Victor Jiménez of Spain.
The IMO has previously said it "is deeply concerned" about the wellbeing and safety of seafarers affected by the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.
"While the disruption to global trade is significant, IMO’s primary concern remains the humanitarian and safety implications for seafarers on board ships operating in the area," it stated.
The Australian government has appointed a fuel supply chain czar to as part of an effort to manage the fuel crisis brought on by the Middle East conflict.
That person is Anthea Harris, her official title being fuel supply taskforce coordinator.
Fuel prices around the country are widely reported to have increased significantly during the more than two weeks since the latest round of fighting began.
National Farmers Federation president Hamish McIntyre welcomed the appointment noting the experience of the pandemic.
"A national coordinator proved effective during the covid pandemic, and now we urge the government not to waste a moment in getting fuel to the farmers and fishers who need it most," Mr McIntyre said.
"We acknowledge the global factors at the core of these issues, and that the need for a calm and considered approach to supply chain issues is imperative in responding to global trade and import disruptions.
"But the reality is empty pumps and unfilled diesel orders are adding real stress to farmers working within tight harvest and planting windows."
Competition regulator the ACCC recently noted the current Middle Eastern conflict shows Australian refined international petrol and diesel benchmark prices have increased "more than international oil prices during the initial period of the conflict".
"International benchmark prices movements drive domestic wholesale prices, which then influence retail prices," the ACCC stated.
The ACCC has also recently highlighted the disparity in prices between Australian cities and the regions.