Shipping to and from the Upper Gulf, Arabian Gulf, and Persian Gulf? A War Risk Surcharge (WRS) is coming up

A War Risk Surcharge (WRS) for cargo to and from or via the Upper Gulf, Arabian Gulf, and Persian Gulf* will be introduced.

The dynamic situation around the Strait of Hormuz and the necessary operational adjustments are causing disruptions throughout the network, which will impact schedules and equipment supply. Therefore, a War Risk Surcharge (WRS) will take effect for cargo to and from the Upper Gulf, Persian and Arabian Gulf.

This adjustment is made pursuant to Clause 17 of the Carrier’s Bill of Lading, which permits the modification or termination of contracts of carriage under specified circumstances.

The details of this WRS are listed below and are applicable with immediate effect (excluding cargo that falls under FMC or SSE regulated scopes):

• USD 1,500 per TEU for standard containers
• USD 3,500 per container for reefer containers and special equipment

This surcharge applies to any booking issued on or after March 2, 2026, all bookings already issued but which have not yet shipped, as well as to cargo already on the water but not yet discharged or loaded to/from Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Saudi Arabia (Dammam and Jubail). The charge is to be borne by the Sea Freight payer.

For shipments within FMC scope, a War Risk Surcharge (WRS) will be introduced for cargo moving between the USA and the following countries (in either direction), whether originating in or routed via them: United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq, Oman and Yemen. Within this scope, the WRS will apply at the amounts referenced above, effective April 1, 2026, until further notice.

If you have any questions regarding these updates or their impact on your supply chain, please contact your local Hapag-Lloyd representative.