Here’s an update about container flow options in the Gulf region

Following the ongoing situation in the Middle East and the resulting disruption to normal routing patterns in the region, Hapag-Lloyd is introducing temporary measures to facilitate the continued movement of cargo across the Gulf.

To provide additional flexibility for customers arranging final delivery within the Gulf region, we are enabling alternative container handling options through selected regional gateway ports where customers can move containers on merchant or carrier haulage basis.

Available merchant haulage options

A.    Container pick-up

Customers routing export cargo via the designated gateway ports may pick up empty containers free of charge from selected surplus locations across the Gulf region, including from UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

B.    Container drop-off

We request customers to take final delivery of the cargo at the port of discharge as soon as possible.

If customers prefer to transport the container across borders to the final place of delivery in another Gulf country using their own transport arrangements, the empty container must be returned to the original port of discharge.

If customers wish to return the empty container at a different location, drop-off charges will apply.

C.    Container deposit

For all merchant movements a container deposit of USD 3,000 per 20' container, USD 5,500 per 40' container and USD 15,000 per 40’ Reefer container will be collected. Details regarding the applicable deposit and refund process will be communicated by the respective local Customer Service teams.

D.    Additional free time

To provide additional operational flexibility, a special additional free time (ADFT) of 10 days will be granted for merchant haulage moves at a flat rate of USD 25 per day. After this period, the standard tariff will apply.

Requests related to these arrangements will be handled manually by our Customer Service teams to ensure proper coordination.

These arrangements do not apply to Intra-Gulf trade movements within the same countries.

Available carrier haulage options

If you would prefer Hapag-Lloyd to arrange the inland transport of your cargo between Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) or Salalah (Oman) and the final place of delivery in a neighboring Gulf country, we can provide a carrier haulage solution.  

If you require further information or wish to arrange merchant haulage under these conditions, please contact your local Hapag-Lloyd representative.

We appreciate your continued cooperation as we work to maintain cargo flow and support our customers during this period.