Middle East port operational update: Monday, March 16

Airspace across most Middle East Gulf countries is reopening on a restricted basis. While some countries remain closed, the majority have resumed limited operations with a reduced number of flights. As a result, crew changes may be possible in certain locations, but remain constrained and subject to local conditions.

United Arab Emirates

Jebel Ali, Hamriyah and Sharjah port, all terminal port operations are normal.
Fujairah and Khor Fakkan and local port authorities have not issued any alerts at this time. However, navigational warning No. 01/2026 has been disseminated, addressing reported incidents of intermittent GPS signal spoofing and jamming in offshore areas of Fujairah. These disruptions may lead to a loss of positional accuracy, erratic vessel movements on Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS), and potentially misleading positional information. Mariners are advised to consider this area as high risk.
The Fujairah Oil Tanker Terminal (FOTT) has resumed operations. OTB #4, #5, #6 and #7 berths are presently not operational.
Vopak terminals have suspended operations at their SPM until further notice. They are performing operations through FOTT (OTB) berths.
ADNOC SPM Terminal – unable to confirm operational status. Authorities not disclosing any details to agents. Awaiting a port announcement.
General cargo and container discharge operations are proceeding as scheduled at both Fujairah Terminal and Khor Fakkan Terminal without any disruption.
Ruwais and Abu Dhabi petroleum ports are operational. Ruwais PPA (ISPS level 2) and Abu Dhabi Ports (ISPS Level 1). Abu Dhabi Ports confirmed that all UAE ports managed and operated by AD ports remain fully open and are operating as usual.
Ras al Khaimah ports remain open and are operating normally. RAK Ports Group will implement a Marine Risk Surcharge applicable to all vessels calling at RAK Ports’ ports, harbours, anchorages and approaches.
A temporary measure has been implemented to facilitate customs cargo clearance for shipments destined for Jebel Ali or Abu Dhabi ports via the ports of Fujairah and Khor Fakkan. In response to ongoing circumstances, this initiative allows direct road transport of containers to Jebel Ali, designated Free Zones, or Abu Dhabi, eliminating the need to adhere to traditional customs clearance procedures. This strategy aims to enhance operational efficiency and streamline logistics processes.

Kuwait
No alerts/notifications/circulars from the Kuwait Port authorities.
Presently no stoppage of operations reported, and no official information from the port authorities.
Shuaiba and Shuwaikh Port ISPS Level: 2
Airspace closed temporarily.

Oman
No alerts/notifications have been issued by the local authorities.
Ports working normally: Port of Sohar, Port Sultan Qaboos, Muscat, Mina al Fahal, Qalhat LNG Terminal – Sur, OMIFCO Terminal – Sur, Duqm port, Asyad Drydock – Duqm.
Port of Salalah (CT and GCT) resumes operations. However, liquid cargo ops are still suspended.
Vessels calling the port of Duqm must submit an official letter stating that they are not carrying any dangerous goods on board. If any dangerous goods are found, the type of cargo must be specified in detail, and the vessel must await the ministry’s approval before entering Omani territorial waters.
All vessels scheduled to call at MAF are to ensure their Doppler log is fully operational. This precaution is necessary due to ongoing GPS interference in the area. Vessels without a functioning Doppler log cannot be berthed due to safety requirements.
Qalhat LNG Terminal, Sur and Mina al Fahal, Muscat, ISPS Level 3 as a precautionary measure. All other ports ISPS Level 1.
Airspace remains open, although some international flight routes have been suspended.

Saudi Arabia
There are presently no alerts or warnings issued by the local port authorities. All operational activities are functioning at full capacity.
Saudi Arabia’s national carrier confirmed flights suspended for Bahrain, Kuwait, Amman, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Russia and Peshawar.

Bahrain
Vessel movements in Bahrain have gradually resumed; however, operations remain limited due to the restricted availability of pilots. BAPCO operations remain suspended.
APM Terminals has resumed operations.
At present, crew changes are not feasible as the airspace remains closed.
ISPS security level remains at Level 1.

Qatar
Hamad port, Doha port and Al Ruwais port — ports are operational; however, activity levels are lower than pre-conflict. Al Ruwais Port is restricted to small craft only, including dhows and barges.
Mesaieed port and Ras Laffan port — port operations ongoing. QatarEnergy has ceased production of LNG and associated products.
Al Shaheen Terminal and Halul Island Terminal – Operations suspended until further notice.
The official security status remains at Security Level 1. However, as a proactive measure, all vessels are requested to exercise heightened caution and vigilance.
The Ministry of Transport has advised that, to maintain supply chain continuity, shipping lines may route raw materials and consumer goods destined for Hamad port via designated alternative ports in Oman and the UAE, with maritime agencies required to coordinate with the relevant port authorities and notify the ministry accordingly. First Alternative — Sohar, Salalah and Duqm ports. Second Alternative — Fujairah and Khorfakkan ports.

Egypt
No alerts/notifications have been issued by the local authorities.
All ports and the Suez Canal are operating without disruption.
(Egyptair) commenced operating some flights to/from MEG countries.

Jordan
Jordan remains stable. Authorities continue to issue general public awareness guidelines purely as precautionary measures. There are no security incidents inside Jordan.
All operations remain normal at Aqaba Port. Terminals, marine services, cargo handling, and gate operations are functioning without disruption. Maritime navigation and cargo operations are proceeding smoothly and without delay.
Royal Jordanian and the Jordanian airspace remain open, flights to Qatar, UAE, Syria, Bahrain and Kuwait remain closed.

Pakistan
All ports remain fully operational.
ISPS level remains at Level 1.
Airspace remains open, with no operational impact reported.

Iraq
Iraqi ports (UQR ports North and South, KAZ) are working normally.
Basrah Oil Terminal and SPM Somo Terminal have ceased export operations.
No port restrictions or emergency measures in place.
Fresh water supply available.
Food purchasing/provisioning available.
Crew change is available, but there is a delay in issuing the visa.
Shore leave (for emergency medical treatment) available.

Cyprus
All ports remain fully operational.
ISPS level remains at Level 1.
Airports and airspace remain open, with no operational impact reported (some flights are being cancelled on a daily basis). Potential issues with crew changes due to limited number of flights.

Lebanon
All ports remain operational, with no alerts or warnings issued by the local port authorities so far. South of Lebanon is in an unstable operational situation.
ISPS level remains at Level 1.
Airspace remains open and operating only Middle East Airlines flights.
Both the private and public sectors are operating normally.

Israel
Eilat, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Hedera and Haifa are fully open for business and functioning at full capacity.
No ship has left Israel or was forced to leave outside its schedule.
Airspace is now open but restricted. Flights are coming in and out of Israel on a limited basis, with restrictions.
Ro-ro car deliveries: Only direct delivery allowed at this stage. No storage at ports is allowed until further notice.

Source: Inchcape Shipping Services — the appointed Lloyd’s Agents in UAE, Oman, Kuwait Qatar and Iraq. Status last updated March 16, 1700 hrs UAE local time