Global Shipping Giant MSC Halts Gulf Exports Amid Escalating Tensions In West Asia

Last Updated:March 10, 2026, 02:32 IST

MSC said it was formally halting certain export shipments from the Gulf due to the "exceptional security situation" in West Asia.

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, the world’s largest shipping corporation, has announced that it is formally halting export shipments from the Gulf due to the US-Israeli war against Iran and that “all affected cargo will be discharged."

“In light of the ongoing and exceptional security situation in the Middle East… it is necessary to declare an ‘End of Voyage’ for certain export shipments" in the Gulf “whether located ashore or already onboard," MSC said in an advisory notice to customers.

The shipping company said that all containers currently en route to ports in the Gulf would be discharged at the next safe port of call and placed for local delivery to customers. Reports suggested that MSC is applying a surcharge of $800 per container for all affected shipments being discharged, which it said was to cover “deviation costs."

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The announcement came as the Iran war sent oil prices soaring on Monday after Tehran launched a barrage of missiles and drones at its Gulf neighbours and took control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for the US-Israeli strikes on February 28. Some cargo ships passing through the strait were also attacked.

‘Exceptional Circumstances’

MSC said its decision “reflects the exceptional nature of the current circumstances" and “does not constitute a breach of contract". It said that after the cargo is discharged, customers who want to continue the transport of their shipments with MSC via alternative routes or solutions can do so under a new contract of carriage.

“MSC sincerely regrets the necessity of this decision, which arises from exceptional circumstances beyond its control," it added.

After the US-Israeli strikes, MSC told its vessels in the Gulf on March 1 to head to safe shelter and had suspended all bookings for worldwide cargo to West Asia. On March 3, the firm said all shipments destined for ports in the Gulf were being diverted to the nearest safe port for discharge.

With the Strait of Hormuz off Iran blocked for almost all oil tankers, the price of benchmark crude oil contracts rocketed past $100 a barrel on Monday – their highest levels since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron said that his country and its allies were working on a “purely defensive" mission to reopen the strait, through which nearly 20 per cent of the world’s crude oil usually transits. The mission would be aimed at escorting ships “after the end of the hottest phase of the conflict".

(with inputs from agencies)

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