Rising military tensions in the Middle East have begun to ripple across global trade routes, as major shipping companies divert vessels away from one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors.
The escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has disrupted commercial traffic through the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf, prompting global carriers to reroute ships around southern Africa. The decision follows U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets and subsequent retaliation that has heightened security risks across the region’s key waterways.
Shipping giants including Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd and CMA CGM have suspended transits through the Suez Canal and the Bab el-Mandeb, citing safety concerns for crews and cargo. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and is a vital chokepoint for ships traveling between Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
“Due to the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East region following the escalating military conflict, we have decided to pause future Trans-Suez sailings through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait for the time being,” Maersk said in a statement.
Under normal conditions, vessels transporting oil, liquefied natural gas and containerized goods depart from Gulf terminals and pass through the Strait of Hormuz — the narrow channel between Iran and Oman that handles roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply. Ships then cross the Arabian Sea, enter the Red Sea via the Bab el-Mandeb, and continue north through the Suez Canal into the Mediterranean, serving European ports in Italy, Greece and Spain.
That route significantly shortens transit times between Asia and Europe. Diverting around the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa can add 10 to 14 days to voyages, driving up fuel costs, insurance premiums and freight rates. Analysts warn that prolonged rerouting could tighten global shipping capacity and place upward pressure on consumer prices, particularly in Europe.
Security concerns escalated sharply after at least three tankers were reportedly damaged off the Gulf coast. One seafarer was killed in what shipping sources described as collateral damage stemming from Iranian retaliation for U.S. and Israeli strikes. It remains unclear who launched the projectiles and drones that targeted vessels, but maritime security firms say the risk environment has deteriorated dramatically in recent days.
According to shipping data cited on Sunday, more than 200 vessels — including crude oil and liquefied gas tankers — have dropped anchor around the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters as operators assess the situation. The backlog has raised fears of supply bottlenecks in global energy markets if passage through the strait is further restricted.
U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States had destroyed nine Iranian navy ships and struck Iran’s naval headquarters in response to regional threats. Tehran has not confirmed the extent of the damage but has warned that foreign military actions in its vicinity would carry consequences.
The latest disruption underscores the fragility of global supply chains, which rely heavily on a handful of strategic maritime chokepoints. Industry executives say the coming days will be critical in determining whether the rerouting remains a temporary precaution or evolves into a prolonged shift in global shipping patterns.
Carriers are bracing for higher operating costs and extended delivery times, while governments and markets closely monitor developments in a region that serves as a linchpin of international trade.