HMM declares deviation for Middle East shipments

HMM has announced a deviation for cargo linked to the Middle East region due to the deteriorating security situation around the Strait of Hormuz and nearby waters.

The carrier said the outbreak of war and escalating hostilities in the area, combined with the targeting of commercial vessels and the de facto closure of key maritime routes, has created unsafe conditions for ships calling at ports in the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea and Horn of Africa.

According to the company, several vessels have recently been attacked in the region, raising serious concerns about the safety of crews, ships and cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters.

Given the increased risks, HMM confirmed it will exercise its rights under the terms of its bill of lading for all affected cargo currently under its custody. This includes shipments loaded from, destined for, or already located within the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea and Horn of Africa region.

As part of these measures, cargo currently in transit will be deviated and, where necessary, discharged at an alternative safe port identified as the nearest practical and secure location.

To cover the operational measures involved, the company will apply a deviation recovery cost of USD 1,000 per container. This charge will include services such as handling and storage in accordance with the provisions of the HMM bill of lading.

HMM also stated that shipments already booked but not yet loaded cannot be transported under the current conditions. Cargo that has already arrived at terminals or container yards will be destuffed and returned to customers at their own risk and expense, or otherwise handled in accordance with the applicable contractual terms.

The company clarified that once cargo is discharged at an alternative port, its obligations under the bill of lading will be considered fulfilled. Any subsequent costs or risks associated with the cargo, including storage or handling, will be the responsibility of the customer.

In addition, HMM announced that it will immediately suspend acceptance of new bookings for shipments loaded from or destined for ports in the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea and Horn of Africa until further notice.

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