FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Rising transportation costs and changes in container ship routes by major shipping companies are linked to the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.
The war situation in the wider Persian Gulf region has forced some shipping companies to review their itineraries, avoid critical shipping points and impose additional fees to cover rising operating costs.
At the same time, the uncertainty prevailing in maritime transport is gradually being reflected in container transport rates.
Increase in operating costs
Security developments in the Middle East are creating significant challenges for the global supply chain, affecting both fuel availability and the operation of maritime transport networks.
AP Moller-Maersk announced the implementation of an Emergency Burner Surcharge (EBS) across its global network, citing disruptions to the supply and circulation of marine fuels related to the situation in the Persian Gulf.
The measure will enter into force on March 25, 2026 and will be reviewed every fourteen days, depending on market conditions.
In a statement, the company emphasizes that the imposition of the temporary EBS fee was considered necessary to guarantee fuel supply and maintain the stability of the global freight transport network.
According to the company, this surcharge will be applied globally, without exceptions, and will be adjusted periodically depending on fuel availability, cost and mix. Updated levels will be published on the company's official website.
CMA CGM also announced similar measures, imposing an emergency fuel surcharge (EFS) from March 16, 2026, due to the significant increase in fuel costs and instability in the Middle East region.
This development reflects the increasing pressure on the maritime transport sector as a result of geopolitical developments, as companies face higher operating costs and increasing risks in international maritime transport.
Container transport tariffs increase
According to the latest data from shipping consultancy Drehery, the World Container Index (WCI) – a key indicator for international shipping contracts – rose this week by 8%, reaching $2,123 per 40-foot container.
The increase is mainly related to the significant increase in prices on the Asia-Europe route, while transport tariffs on the Trans-Pacific route, which connects Asia with North America through the Pacific Ocean, also increased.
In particular, spot rates on the Shanghai–Rotterdam route increased by 19%, reaching $2,443 per 40-foot container, while on the Shanghai–Genoa route they increased by 10%, to $3,120 per 40-foot container.
Meanwhile, only five travel cancellations have been announced in the Asia-Europe market for next week, indicating that carriers are trying to manage available capacity while maintaining upward pressure on prices.
According to Dreery's assessment, spot rates are expected to continue their upward trend in the coming weeks.
A similar development was recorded on the Asia-United States route. Rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles increased by 4%, reaching $2,503 per 40-foot container, while from Shanghai to New York they increased by 3%, to $3,080 per 40-foot container.
Seven voyage cancellations have been announced for the coming week in the Eastern and Western Pacific trades.
Container ships choose the route around Africa
At the same time, container ship traffic avoiding the Red Sea and following the route via the Cape of Good Hope remains high due to developments in the Middle East. This situation increases transport costs and extends travel times.
According to Drehery data, during the two-week period ending March 8, a total of 314 ships followed this route, compared to 309 in the previous period. This confirms that the detour around Africa remains the main alternative between Asia and Europe in the current conditions of instability.
However, several major shipping companies appear to have suspended some of their Asia-Europe routes through the Red Sea, while continuing to use the Suez Canal for connections to ports in the northern Red Sea and mainly for supplying the Saudi Arabian market.
According to Drewry, a total of 64 container ships passed through the Suez Canal in the two weeks ending March 8, compared to 44 in the previous period ending February 22.
The market interprets this development as a sign that some companies are gradually considering the return of transits through the Red Sea, in some cases abandoning previous routes through the Persian Gulf.
At the same time, the effects of the crisis are particularly noticeable in major regional transshipment hubs.
An example is Jebel Ali Port in the United Arab Emirates, the largest container port in the Middle East, where activity has declined significantly.
According to Dreëry's AIS tracking data, the number of weekly container ship approaches fell from around 100 in February to just 18 in the week ending March 8, while no ship arrivals were recorded in the last three days.
Lini një Përgjigje