Maersk shifts Gulf transshipment routes from Jeddah to UAE and Oman hubs

Maersk has announced major operational changes across its Middle East shipping network ahead of the upcoming peak season, rerouting selected regional transshipment cargo away from Jeddah and through alternative hubs in the UAE and Oman.

Under the revised network structure, shipments bound for Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE will no longer move through Jeddah for transshipment. Instead, these cargoes will now be routed through Salalah in Oman and Khor Fakkan in the UAE before being transferred via Maersk’s regional feeder services to their final destinations.

The adjustment reflects a broader shift in Maersk’s Gulf logistics strategy, reducing dependence on Jeddah as a regional transshipment center while increasing the importance of alternative gateway ports in Oman and the UAE.

Despite the routing changes, Maersk clarified that Saudi Arabian import and export cargo flows will continue operating through Jeddah without disruption. Shipments linked to Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam will still move through the company’s established Jeddah landbridge network.

The carrier also stated that cargo originally booked for Jeddah but intended for consignees outside Saudi Arabia will no longer be discharged within the kingdom. Such shipments will instead be redirected through Khor Fakkan for onward delivery to their final destinations.

According to the company, the operational adjustments are part of contingency planning measures ahead of the high-demand shipping season. While Maersk did not point to any specific disruption, the strategy aims to improve network flexibility and reduce pressure by spreading regional cargo flows across multiple ports.

The latest move also highlights the growing strategic importance of Khor Fakkan and Salalah within Gulf shipping networks, as carriers continue adapting logistics operations to changing regional conditions.

Maersk added that some customers affected by the rerouting process may face additional charges, with separate notifications expected to be issued regarding any extra cost implications.

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