Hapag-Lloyd outlines contingency measures for Gulf cargo

Hapag-Lloyd has announced contingency procedures for shipments linked to several Gulf countries as the security situation in and around the Upper Gulf continues to affect vessel movements and port operations.

The measures apply to cargo already in transit to or from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq (including Umm Qasr), Oman and Yemen, following the earlier suspension of new shipments to and from the region.

Under the contingency plan, vessels may remain in safe waters, experience schedule changes, or deviate to alternative ports depending on operational and security conditions. Cargo could also face delays until normal operations can safely resume.

For containers already booked but not yet loaded, export shipments where empty containers have not been collected will be cancelled. Shipments already gated in at terminals should be retrieved by customers, as loading has been suspended.

For cargo already in transit, customers may request a change of destination to another port subject to operational feasibility and revised freight rates, or arrange for cargo to return to the original port of loading at their own expense. If no instructions are received and alternative arrangements are not possible, the carrier may declare end of voyage and store the cargo at a safe location.

Hapag-Lloyd noted that all shipments remain subject to the previously announced War Risk Surcharge, and additional operational charges — including demurrage, detention, storage and handling at contingency ports — may apply.

The company said such measures are implemented under the provisions of its Bill of Lading or Sea Waybill when the safe continuation of a voyage becomes impracticable.