The escalation of conflict in the Middle East is causing major disruptions to container shipping, with around 140 vessels stuck in the Gulf, a clear sign of the pressure that regional insecurity is already placing on one of the world's most sensitive trade areas.
According to consultant Alphaliner, 138 container ships with a combined capacity near 470,000 TEU were sheltering in the Gulf at the beginning of March, after security concerns led several carriers to suspend vessel movements through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb.
The deterioration of the regional situation, following U.S. and Israeli air strikes against Iran, is forcing operators to reassess routes, port calls, and navigation conditions. Among the most affected shipowners are MSC and CMA CGM. MSC has 15 vessels in this situation, representing around 109,000 TEU, while CMA CGM accounts for 14 ships, equivalent to 70,000 TEU. Among the vessels mentioned is the MSC Clara, with capacity for 19,224 TEU. The port of Jebel Ali, in the United Arab Emirates, is serving as a temporary refuge for some of these ships, accommodating around 20 vessels. Nevertheless, instability remains high, particularly after reports emerged of an air strike that caused a fire near the port.
Alphaliner estimates that this disruption could affect around 10.7% of the global container fleet, in a context where more than 120 regular services normally call at Gulf ports.
This publication was generated from information in the original feed. Credits and source reference have been included at the end of the text.
Source: https://portaldomar.org/2026/03/11/conflito-no-medio-oriente-deixa-cerca-de-140-porta-contentores-retidos-no-golfo/
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