Saudi Arabia: Update on transit shipments via Jeddah to the Upper Gulf
We would like to inform you of an important operational update concerning transit shipments discharged at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with onward movement to the Upper Gulf.
Following the latest update from the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani), in-transit movements via Jeddah may proceed for cargo destined for the Upper Gulf, including United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Iraq, subject to applicable customs, terminal, documentation and clearance requirements.
Effective for containers discharged from August 1, 2026, commencing with MV Maersk Alette and subsequent arrivals, customers will be responsible for arranging the required customs clearance and onward movement of their containers from Jeddah.
Customers must ensure timely customs clearance and onward movement. Any costs resulting from delayed clearance, storage, terminal handling, customs formalities, relocation or onward movement will be for the shipper’s account.
Requirements for future bookings
For future bookings via Jeddah to the Upper Gulf, the following requirements apply:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Notify Party | Must be located in Saudi Arabia |
| Second Notify Party | Required for To Order cases and must also be located in Saudi Arabia |
| Transit Clause | Must be clearly included in the Bill of Lading draft |
| Payer Party | Must be located in Saudi Arabia |
| Collecting Office | Must be Hapag-Lloyd Saudi Arabia office |
| Clearance Responsibility | Customer is responsible for timely customs clearance and onward movement |
LOI / Written Confirmation for Future Bookings
Hapag-Lloyd will also require a Letter of Indemnity (LOI) or written confirmation before accepting future bookings, confirming that the shipment will be cleared and moved onward within 15 days from the date of discharge in Jeddah. Bookings will only be accepted once the required confirmation and documentation requirements are fulfilled.
Important customer actions
Customers, including shippers and consignees, are requested to:
- Ensure the Saudi-based Notify Party can undertake the required customs clearance.
- Complete customs clearance and arrange onward transportation without delay.
- Ensure the required in-transit clause is correctly reflected in the shipping documentation.
- Complete applicable Saudi payments through ODeX Saudi Arabia, as applicable.
- Coordinate with shippers, consignees, customs brokers and transport providers to ensure all requirements are fulfilled.
For payments applicable in the United Arab Emirates or Upper Gulf, the existing payment channel in the respective country should be used. Delivery Order release can only be processed once all applicable payments have been settled.
Please note that payment confirmation may be delayed where transactions are subject to internal verification and/or bank compliance checks. Confirmation can only be provided once the required verification has been completed and the funds have been credited to the Hapag-Lloyd account. A request for Delivery Order release can only be processed once all applicable payments have been settled.
Where cargo remains uncleared or onward movement is delayed, Hapag-Lloyd reserves the right to relocate the container to an alternative location deemed operationally necessary to avoid congestion in Jeddah, subject to operational and vessel availability. Any resulting costs, expenses and charges will be for the shipper’s account.
Customers are advised to review their impacted shipments and make the necessary arrangements in advance to avoid delays, additional costs or operational restrictions.
Should you have any questions or require further information, please contact our customer service team at your location, who will guide you based on your individual situation.