Update: 16.06.2026
Latest developments across the region
A memorandum of understanding was virtually signed between Iran and the United States on 15 June 2026, prompting a ceasefire between the two countries. Details of the document remain unknown, and an official signing is scheduled for Friday, 19 June, in Switzerland.
However, based on social media posts by US President Trump, the Strait of Hormuz is set to reopen on the day of signing the agreement.
The vessel transit process is still shrouded in uncertainty, and stakeholders in the shipping industry remain cautious.
Carrier updated response
Shortly after the news about the deal was confirmed, the media reported a positive sentiment towards the truce among market players.
According to reports by ShippingWatch, German container carrier Hapag-Lloyd expressed its wish to ship its vessels out of the Gulf as soon as the deal is officially signed, potentially at the end of this week.
Meanwhile, Danish liner Maersk is reportedly maintaining a cautious approach, noting that public information remains limited for a decision concerning transits.
The position of the other carriers is yet to be announced.
Situation at impacted ports
Ports across the Middle East are continuing to operate, with no reports of attacks in recent weeks.
Vessel situation and risks
Despite the positive development, the risks of attacks in the Strait of Hormuz remain. According to Splash247, several explosions were heard in the waterway on Monday. In addition, vessels transiting still need to obtain permission from the Iranian authorities.
While the movement of vessels is expected once transit conditions are clear, experts believe the process will be gradual. One of the concerns is the time it will take to remove mines in the region, a process that could take 40 days, according to analysts.
At the time of writing this report, seaexplorer shows that around 90 container vessels are held in the region currently, with a total capacity of over 300,000 TEU.
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: 11.06.2026
Latest developments across the region
At the beginning of the week, the ceasefire between Iran, Israel and the US deteriorated. This occurred following an Iranian strike on Israel linked to earlier Israeli operations in Lebanon.
Following the events, Houthi representatives declared a total prohibition on Israeli-linked vessels operating in the Red Sea. They warned that such ships would be treated as military targets and indicated that additional actions may follow.
By 11 June, hostilities had broadened further, with reported strikes involving both the United States and Iran across multiple locations, including near Tehran, while Iran carried out attacks in Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain.
In addition, Iranian authorities announced a full closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which was already limited. In contrast, the US Central Command stated that commercial traffic continues to transit the area.
Carrier updated response
Major container carriers continue to avoid the waterway, with very few changes to inland alternatives within the Gulf region.
Some carriers have suspended acceptance of cargo via Jeddah when the final destination is outside Saudi Arabia. This is due to increasing congestion and operational challenges, resulting in extended dwell times at the port and delays at onward border crossings.
CMA CGM expects the conditions in the Strait of Hormuz to remain unstable, reinforcing the need to reduce reliance on the corridor.
Situation at impacted ports
Ports across the Middle East are continuing to operate, although disruptions are evident in selected locations.
Jeddah is handling increased cargo volumes due to rerouted shipments and is functioning as a primary alternative hub for Gulf-destined cargo.
Meanwhile, services to ports in the UAE and Oman, which are located outside the Strait, continue to operate normally. Onward connectivity from these ports to Upper Gulf ports remains available.
Vessel situation and risks
The latest attack against a container ship in the Gulf involved MSC Sariska V and occurred on 2 June. The ship is reported to have sustained hull damage after being struck by a projectile.
Authorities later reported a second impact involving the vessel, causing a fire onboard. The fire has since been extinguished.
Yesterday, Iran reported strikes against two oil tankers attempting to pass through the Strait, although this information has not been independently confirmed.
Statements from the United States indicate that military activity has supported the movement of 200 vessels through the Strait, but the number cannot be confirmed.
Transits through Hormuz remained limited before the attack, despite conflicting data concerning the exact number of vessels.
Seaexplorer shows that around 130 container vessels were held in the region at the beginning of the conflict. Currently, the number stands at 96 vessels with a total capacity of 324,301 TEU.
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.
Original article: 01.06.2026
Latest developments across the region
Last week, the United States issued new maritime security advisories warning of escalating risks in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, news reports circulated about a 60-day extension of the ceasefire and a potential deal between the US and Iran. But the Iranian government asserted its role in controlling traffic at the Strait.
The US added the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, the agency assigned to operate Hormuz transits, to the OFAC sanctions list. As a result, shipping lines are unable to transit the Strait of Hormuz without either violating US sanctions or exposing themselves to the risk of attack by Iran.
Additionally, authorities warn of potential mine-laying activities and attempts to assert control over the waterway.
In relation to bunkering concerns, experts say that shortages have not materialised, and supply is considered secure for the foreseeable future.
This is an update as of 1 June 2026. Earlier updates can be found through this link.
Carrier updated response
Generally, container liners still avoid transit through the Strait of Hormuz due to uncertainty in the region.
Carriers continue to announce increased fuel costs, applying that through surcharges. In addition, some carriers are slow-steaming their vessels to mitigate the impact of fuel costs. This is eventually contributing to reduced effective capacity.
The market is witnessing demand being pulled forward into June, linked to expected bunker fuel adjustments and early peak season dynamics.
Chinese carrier COSCO is said to have initiated a coordinated withdrawal of its vessels from the Middle East Gulf. Market data reports that more than 10 Chinese-owned vessels have recently exited the strait, with departures accelerating following diplomatic engagement between China and Iran.
Situation at impacted ports
Most ports in the Persian Gulf report normal operations, albeit with congestion and high alert levels.
According to a recent report by Lloyd’s List, the port disruption in the Gulf is contributing to a reduction of effective global container capacity by approximately 5%.
A US-led blockade is still in place covering Iranian ports across the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, and North Arabian Sea.
Vessel situation and risks
A suspected floating naval mine was sighted at the weekend in Omani waters near the Strait of Hormuz, prompting authorities to issue navigation warnings. Mariners have been urged to exercise extreme caution and keep a safe distance from any suspicious objects amid heightened regional tensions.At the same time, analysts note that Red Sea rerouting and disruption linked to Hormuz have reduced effective capacity by approximately 12%, with slow steaming adding a further 2% reduction. The total effective capacity reduction is estimated at around 19% when congestion impacts are included.
Vessels that fail to comply with the instructions, whether from the US or Iran, may be subject to defensive action.
The latest seaexplorer data shows that there are 98 container vessels currently trapped in the Persian Gulf, with a capacity of 334,553 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.
