Shipping giant Maersk has suspended its operations and sailings amid escalating conflicts involving the US, Israel, and Iran.
In a statement released on Sunday, March 1, 2026, Maersk cited the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East as the reason for pausing future Trans-Suez sailings through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The Danish container shipping group announced that it will reroute ships around the Cape of Good Hope due to recent military actions by the US and Israel against Iran.
Last month, Maersk had begun gradually restoring services on the Suez route to address the global trade disruptions caused by attacks on ships in the Red Sea by Yemen's Houthi rebels over the past two years. However, citing unforeseen constraints in the Red Sea region, Maersk decided on Friday to temporarily divert some sailings away from the Suez Canal.
The company has also suspended all vessel crossings in the Strait of Hormuz until further notice, warning of potential delays, rerouting, or schedule adjustments for services calling ports in the Arabian Gulf. Maersk emphasized that they will closely monitor the situation and take necessary actions while prioritizing the Trans-Suez route once security conditions allow.
Despite the disruptions, Maersk is still accepting cargo bound for the Middle East. Meanwhile, Mediterranean Shipping Company announced a suspension of all cargo bookings to the region in response to the escalating tensions between the US and Iran. The company instructed its vessels in the Gulf region to seek safe shelter until further notice, with bookings set to resume once the security situation improves.
In a similar move, CMA CGM, the world's third-largest container shipping line, directed its vessels in or en route to the Gulf to proceed to shelter following the US and Israeli attacks on Iran. The company also announced a suspension of sailings through the Suez Canal.
The Suez Canal serves as a crucial maritime route linking Asia and Europe through the Middle East, handling a significant portion of global shipments and container traffic. Maersk's decision underscores the impact of the escalating conflicts involving the US, Israel, and Iran on global trade and shipping operations.
The tension in the region has prompted security measures, with the USS Gerald Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, joining American forces in Middle Eastern waters. Maersk, a leading player in the shipping industry with a presence in 130 countries and over 100,000 employees globally, is one of many businesses affected by the recent developments. Experts have noted the broader impact on commodities like gold and major industries due to the ongoing conflict.
