<p data-path-to-node="1">A.P. Moller-Maersk has introduced a comprehensive set of temporary operational adjustments, port fee structures, and routing alternatives across key Middle East gateways. The dynamic measures are aimed at safeguarding crew, vessels, and customer cargo while addressing volatile maritime security conditions in and around the Strait of Hormuz.</p><h4 data-path-to-node="2"><b data-path-to-node="2" data-index-in-node="0">Targeted Free Time Adjustments and Container Rules</b></h4><p data-path-to-node="3">To provide supply chain flexibility and better manage empty container flows, Maersk is rolling out time-bound adjustments to detention and demurrage structures:</p><ul data-path-to-node="4"><li><p data-path-to-node="4,0,0"><b data-path-to-node="4,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">Port of Salalah &amp; Jebel Ali Extensions:</b> Eligible uncollected cargo discharged at Salalah and Jebel Ali gateways during peak disruption windows is being granted extended free time allowances of up to 15 days.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="4,1,0"><b data-path-to-node="4,1,0" data-index-in-node="0">Optional Paid Extensions:</b> For newer arrivals, merchants can purchase structured extension packages such as a 12-day extension at Salalah for $360 per container, or 8-day packages at Jeddah starting at $100 for local moves.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="4,2,0"><b data-path-to-node="4,2,0" data-index-in-node="0">Empty Container Depots:</b> To optimize regional container asset positioning, standard empty return locations are temporarily restricted. Empties for imports heading into the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, and Oman are being routed exclusively to specialized hubs in Salalah (Oman) and Jeddah (Saudi Arabia).</p></li></ul><h4 data-path-to-node="5"><b data-path-to-node="5" data-index-in-node="0">Booking Suspensions &amp; Intermodal Landbridges</b></h4><p data-path-to-node="6">Due to localized transit constraints, Maersk has recalibrated its regional booking acceptance policies while leaning on cross-border logistics networks:</p><ul data-path-to-node="7"><li><p data-path-to-node="7,0,0"><b data-path-to-node="7,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">Landside Pauses:</b> Bookings for overland cargo moving between Jeddah or Oman ports and Upper Gulf countries (including the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain) have been temporarily paused.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="7,1,0"><b data-path-to-node="7,1,0" data-index-in-node="0">Upper Gulf Halts:</b> Booking restrictions remain active for specialized reefer and dangerous cargo across major Gulf markets, with exceptions strictly maintained for critical items like food and medicine.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="7,2,0"><b data-path-to-node="7,2,0" data-index-in-node="0">Landbridge Operations:</b> To circumvent ocean bottlenecks, Maersk continues to utilize active regional landbridges across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman to secure overland corridors for dry and refrigerated freight.</p></li></ul><h4 data-path-to-node="8"><b data-path-to-node="8" data-index-in-node="0">Financial Surcharges for Network Continuity</b></h4><p data-path-to-node="9">Operating under heavily impacted network conditions has substantially increased operational overhead, forcing the carrier to introduce dynamic cost-recovery surcharges:</p><ul data-path-to-node="10"><li><p data-path-to-node="10,0,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">Emergency Contingency Surcharge (ECS):</b> An updated ECS is active for global cargo routed toward upper Gulf markets, reflecting up to $1,800 per 20-foot dry container and $3,000 per 40-foot dry container to cover rerouting realities.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="10,1,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,1,0" data-index-in-node="0">Emergency Bunker Surcharge (EBS):</b> Volatility in standard bunkering markets has driven a need to secure fuel from alternative locations—frequently incurring additional war-zone premiums that are not captured in normal fuel adjustments.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="10,2,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,2,0" data-index-in-node="0">Transhipment Storage Fees:</b> Transhipment cargo lingering at Jebel Ali port faces a temporary storage tariff of $25 per TEU per day from the date of discharge, alongside active reefer plug-in fees.</p></li></ul><h4 data-path-to-node="11"><b data-path-to-node="11" data-index-in-node="0">Multi-Modal Alternatives via Sea-Air Networks</b></h4><p data-path-to-node="12">Recognizing that the operating environment will remain highly fluid, Maersk is leveraging an expanded multi-modal network to keep trade lanes moving. This includes optimized Sea-Air connections, allowing shipments from the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia to move via ocean to Salalah, transfer overland to Muscat, and connect directly to international air freight networks serving Europe and North America.</p>