Shipping Giants Halt Gulf Bookings as IRGC Closes Hormuz Strait

Major global shipping carriers have suspended cargo bookings and diverted vessels across the Middle East following escalating hostilities between Iran, the United States, and Israel. The disruption peaked on March 4 and 5, 2026, after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, claiming "complete control" over the waterway and warning of missile or drone attacks on vessels.

MSC, the world's largest container carrier, issued an 'End of Voyage' declaration for shipments bound for Arabian Gulf ports, offloading cargo at alternative safe seaports and imposing an $800 surcharge per container. Similarly, COSCO Shipping Lines and A.P. Moller-Maersk suspended new bookings for several nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and parts of Oman and Saudi Arabia. Maersk also halted passage through the Suez Canal, rerouting vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, though it continues to allow shipments of critical medicines and foodstuffs.

The maritime shutdown has threatened global energy supplies, as the Strait of Hormuz handles approximately 20% of seaborne oil. In response to spiking energy prices, President Donald Trump announced that the United States Navy is prepared to escort oil tankers through the route to prevent further supply disruptions.