Middle East Conflict: Major Carriers Add Shipping Surcharges

International shipping surcharges are now in effect across major freight networks as carriers respond to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. DHL Express, Hapag-Lloyd, CMA CGM, and Maersk each announced new charges or operational restrictions on Middle East trade lanes in early March 2026.

The measures affect both air and sea freight moving through the region. Several carriers introduced shipping surcharges within days of each other, increasing freight costs for shipments moving to or from affected Middle East destinations.

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Quick Summary: Middle East Shipping Surcharges

• DHL Express has introduced an Elevated Risk Surcharge (RSK) per shipment under charge code CA-Elevated Risk. It applies to shipments to or from Israel from 3 March and to Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar from 5 March, with fuel surcharges also in effect.
• Hapag-Lloyd has introduced a War Risk Surcharge starting from US$1,500 per TEU, rising to US$3,500 for reefer and specialised containers. The charge applies to cargo moving through the Upper Gulf, Arabian Gulf, and Persian Gulf from 2 March 2026.
• CMA CGM has implemented an Emergency Conflict Surcharge starting from US$2,000 per 20-foot container, and US$4,000 for reefer or specialised equipment, effective 2 March 2026 until further notice.
• Maersk has introduced an Emergency Contingency Surcharge on affected trade corridors and suspended bookings for reefer and dangerous cargo to destinations including the UAE, Oman, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.

The Port of Bahrain has suspended operations, forcing carriers to reroute vessels and revise sailing schedules across Gulf trade lanes. Airspace closures across parts of the Middle East are also disrupting freight movements and contributing to delays across both air and sea logistics networks.

Businesses with freight moving through Middle East trade lanes should review current carrier notices and confirm whether these changes affect upcoming shipments. Together, these developments introduce new shipping surcharges across both container shipping and international air freight networks.

Why Are Shipping Costs Rising? Middle East Conflict Disrupts Freight Corridors

Carriers cite higher security risk across major freight corridors in the Middle East as the reason for the new charges. Key routes include the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, and the Suez Canal, which connect Asia, Europe, and the Gulf region.

Some vessels now avoid these corridors and sail around the Cape of Good Hope, which adds distance and fuel use and increases operating costs. Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) state that the disruption already has direct and measurable impacts on Australian supply chains and international freight costs. 

Which Carriers Have Introduced Shipping Surcharges and How Much Do They Cost?

Several carriers have introduced shipping surcharges or operational restrictions on shipments moving through Middle East trade lanes.

DHL Express

DHL Express has activated an Elevated Risk Surcharge (RSK) under charge code CA-Elevated Risk. The surcharge applies to shipments to or from Israel from 3 March, and to or from Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar from 5 March 2026. Fuel surcharge also applies. The charge applies only when shipping to or importing from countries classified as elevated risk destinations.

Hapag-Lloyd

Hapag-Lloyd has introduced a War Risk Surcharge starting from US$1,500 per TEU, increasing to US$3,500 for reefer and specialised containers. The surcharge applies to cargo moving to and from the Upper Gulf, Arabian Gulf, and Persian Gulf, effective 2 March 2026.

CMA CGM

CMA CGM has introduced an Emergency Conflict Surcharge of US$2,000 per 20-foot container and US$4,000 for reefer or specialised equipment. The surcharge took effect on 2 March 2026 and remains in place until further notice.

Maersk

Maersk has introduced an Emergency Contingency Surcharge across affected trade corridors, with the amount varying by route and cargo type. The carrier has also suspended new bookings for reefer and dangerous cargo to the UAE, Oman, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. The Port of Bahrain has also suspended operations, with wider freight impacts across regional trade routes.

What Should Australian Shippers Do?

1. Identify affected shipments

Review your current bookings and shipment schedules. Check whether cargo travels to, from, or through Middle East routes such as Gulf ports or nearby transit hubs where shipping surcharges may now apply.

2. Confirm charges with your carrier

Contact your freight forwarder or carrier and ask if new risk or contingency fees apply. Confirm whether they apply to cargo already booked or still moving through the network.

3. Review customer pricing

Check sales quotes or contracts that include international shipping. Update pricing where higher transport costs increase the final landed cost.

4. Monitor carrier updates

Follow official carrier advisories over the coming days. Carriers have warned that conditions may change and additional notices may follow, including potential updates to shipping surcharges.

Book International Shipping with Couriers & Freight

Couriers & Freight gives Australian businesses access to DHL Express, Maersk, and CMA CGM through a single booking dashboard. Current surcharges are reflected in every quote before you confirm, no separate carrier inquiries needed.

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Ship Freight to the Middle East

Compare carrier rates and view current surcharges on Middle East shipments through Couriers & Freight.

Get a Quote Now