Update: 22.04.2026
Latest developments across the region
On Friday, 17 April, the Iranian authorities announced reopening the Strait of Hormuz for all vessels. However, shots were fired in the region, leading to the strait’s closure again within less than 24 hours.
Several vessels that have attempted an exit during this brief window were forced back to the Persian Gulf. Currently, AIS data shows very few transits for vessels linked mostly to Iran.
The escalation led to tightened security in the region and several reports of the US Navy blocking vessels affiliated with Iran.
On the political side, the US-Iran talks that took place yesterday, 21 April, led to extending the ceasefire agreement, which was initially planned to end today.
After the talks, US President Trump said his country will not lift the blockade on Iranian ports and ships until a deal is made. The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed.
Media reports, including the BBC, mentioned today that the Iranian Guard seized two MSC boxships after being attacked in the Strait of Hormuz.
Situation at impacted ports
Port conditions across the region remain stable, with all ports in the Persian Gulf operational. However, several ports have been experiencing congestion as carriers continue to divert vessels and seek alternative solutions.
In Bahrain and Qatar, port activities are reduced due to low cargo volumes.
A recent report by P44 shows that UAE ports are saturated, and cargo is bouncing between the ports of Jebel Ali, Khor al Fakkan and Al-Fujairah. Data adds that dwell times in the ports of Abu Dhabi reached 48 days and 46 days in Jebel Ali.
The ports of India have also been absorbing a percentage of the diverted cargo, reaching up to 15% in weeks 5 and 6 following the beginning of the crisis. However, the percentage dropped in the past week to about 8%.
The port of Nhava Sheva was highlighted as one of the most affected ports in India by the rerouting at a transhipment level. P44 mentions dwell times reaching 14 days in Nhava Sheva, 13 days in Mundra and 24 days at Pipavav.
Some locations in the Middle East, including Oman, Qatar and Bahrain, may face equipment shortages linked to the blockade, resulting in operational delays across the region.
In parallel, disrupted voyage patterns and irregular port calls in Sri Lanka, India and other Asian locations are affecting feeder schedules, contributing to delays on connections serving the Mainland Middle East.
Vessel situation and risks
US Navy claims right to board and seize Iran-linked vessels anywhere on open seas, not just within the blockade zone. Earlier this week, the US Navy boarded an Iranian container vessel for refusing to respond to warning alerts. Two more ships were forced back since then.
Maritime alerts reported that the boxship CMA CGM Everglade was hit by a projectile over the weekend, and some containers sustained damage. It was one of eight ships the French carrier wanted, but failed, to exit after the reopening announcement.
The latest report by Linerlytica mentioned that carrier MSC managed to send up six of its ships on 18 April. Two of them are the 19,224 TEU vessel, MSC Clara, and the 9,200-TEU MSC Madeleine. The ships were able to exit after switching off their AIS transponders when they neared the strait.
Seaexplorer data shows that there are 106 container vessels currently trapped in the Persian Gulf, with a capacity of 354,351 TEU combined. With the ongoing disruption of GPS signals in the region, accurate information cannot be guaranteed.
Kuehne+Nagel continues to monitor the situation closely with timely updates on SeaNews and the Kuehne+Nagel page Middle East situation - Kuehne+Nagel operations.
For the latest port and vessel statuses or situation updates, please refer to the seaexplorer alert map.
Update: 13.04.2026
Latest developments across the region
The US-Iran talks, which took place in Islamabad, Pakistan, over the weekend, failed to reach an agreement. The negotiations came days after a ceasefire began on Tuesday.
President Donald Trump said the US would launch a naval blockade of ships heading to Iranian ports following the failure of negotiators to reach a deal with Iranian officials.
Iran, on the other hand, said that it will firmly implement a permanent mechanism to control the Strait of Hormuz even after the war is over.
Analysts believe that the new escalation could lead to the US Navy blocking vessels from China or India, creating a new geopolitical escalation of the conflict.
Carrier updated response
Carriers continue to closely monitor the evolving situation in the Middle East. They continue to offer Landbridge solutions in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE, Qatar and Iraq.
Hapag-Lloyd says in its latest update that the situation in and around the Strait of Hormuz remains uncertain. The carrier highlighted that the safety of crews and personnel ashore remains a top priority.
Although the update now opens the possibility of non-Iranian transits, shipowners were still awaiting further details of the US operations on Monday before making any operational decisions.
Situation at impacted ports
Port conditions across the region remain stable, with all ports in the Persian Gulf reporting normal operations.
Meanwhile, the United States said it will block all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports as of Monday.
Vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports will not be impeded, the US military said.
“The blockade will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman,” the US Central Command said.
Vessel situation and risks
AIS data show that traffic was moving at reduced levels before the failed talks. It was immediately halted afterwards, with vessels turning back.
According to the US Central Command, two US Navy warships passed through the Strait for the first time since the war began as part of what it described as a mission to remove the mines, reports Reuters.
From the Iranian side, officials announced that “enemy” ships will not be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, and they will exercise their sovereignty in territorial waters.
It will, however, allow ships not associated with “enemies” to transit the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, Lloyd’s List reports that two COSCO VLCCs have transited the Strait of Hormuz, becoming the first Chinese state-owned tankers to leave the Gulf since the conflict began.
Seaexplorer data shows that there are 115 container vessels currently trapped in the Persian Gulf, with a capacity of 406,611 TEU combined. With the ongoing disruption of GPS signals in the region, accurate information cannot be guaranteed.
Kuehne+Nagel continues to monitor the situation closely with timely updates on SeaNews and the Kuehne+Nagel page Middle East situation - Kuehne+Nagel operations. For earlier updates, please use this link.
To check the latest port and vessel statuses or situation updates, please refer to the seaexplorer alert map.
Original article: 09.04.2026
Latest developments across the region
The United States and Iran announced a two-week ceasefire on Wednesday, 8 April 2026. Under the terms communicated by Iran, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz was initially allowed, subject to coordination with Iranian military authorities and subject to technical limitations.
However, the Iranian government decided to halt vessel exits after Israel severely bombed the Lebanese capital, Beirut, describing the attacks as an infringement to the ceasefire deal.
Currently, the precise timing and conditions under which commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf may resume transit through the Strait of Hormuz remain undefined.
Meanwhile, information circulated in the media about the agreement mentioned that revenue from the fee for passage through the vital trade route is to be shared with neighbouring Oman. Details about this fee system remain unclear.
Carrier updated response
According to media reports, Danish carrier Maersk indicated that the ceasefire could support a resumption of transits through the Strait of Hormuz, while noting that the agreement does not yet provide sufficient security assurances.
The carrier stated that additional clarity is required before normal operations can restart.
Hapag-Lloyd also signalled cautious optimism, highlighting that wider network recovery would require sustained stability.
The carrier advised that disruption across shipping networks and supply chains persists, with additional costs continuing to accrue as a result of the situation.
Situation at impacted ports
Port conditions across the region remain stable, with all ports in the Persian Gulf reporting normal operations.
The Port of Beirut is likely to experience operational difficulties after the bombings on 8 April.
Vessel situation and risks
The announcement of a temporary ceasefire has led shipowners to prepare for departures from the Middle East Gulf, where a large number of vessels have remained stranded since late February.
However, transit protocols and commercial conditions linked to the ceasefire are not yet fully defined.
A container vessel chartered by Maersk, Qingdao Star, was involved in a security incident in the Persian Gulf during the early hours of Tuesday, 7 April. The vessel sustained damage after being struck by a projectile, but remained operational and was able to continue sailing under its own propulsion.
Maersk confirmed that the vessel is proceeding to its next port of call, where further inspections will be carried out.
According to seaexplorer data, 113 container vessels with a combined capacity of approximately 390,000 TEU are currently located within the Persian Gulf.
Separately, Israeli authorities have issued navigational warnings advising vessels to avoid areas off the Lebanese coast following reported security threats.
Kuehne+Nagel continues to monitor the situation closely with timely updates on SeaNews and the Kuehne+Nagel page Middle East situation - Kuehne+Nagel operations. For earlier updates, please use this link.
To check the latest port and vessel statuses or situation updates, please refer to the seaexplorer alert map.
