Maersk has introduced new emergency freight rates for container cargo affected by disruption around the Strait of Hormuz. The charges apply to cargo loading from or destined for ports in Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. They also cover Dammam and Jubail in Saudi Arabia, as well as Oman, excluding Salalah. The Emergency Freight Rate is set at US$1,800 per 20-foot dry container and US$3,000 per 40-foot dry container. For reefer, special and dangerous goods (DG) containers, the charge rises to US$3,800 per container. In addition, any vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz will incur an extra charge of US$1,000 per container. As a result, some affected shipments could face additional charges of up to US$4,800 per container. Maersk redirects cargo around Hormuz Maersk said the Emergency Freight Rate is needed to cover the additional costs created by alternative routing and storage. The charge also covers additional charters and transportation from temporary storage locations to the cargo’s final destination when it is safe to complete the journey. The additional US$1,000 charge for vessels transiting Hormuz covers costs such as higher insurance premiums and crew risk compensation. Maersk said the emergency rates could be adjusted as the situation develops. The carrier is also using alternative routes to move cargo into Upper Gulf markets. Cargo booked for Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE will now move through Salalah and Khor Fakkan. It will then travel by landbridge to Sharjah before connecting with Maersk’s intra-Gulf feeder network. Meanwhile, Saudi import and export cargo will continue to move through Jeddah. Booking restrictions remain in place Maersk has also maintained a series of booking restrictions across the region. Dry cargo bookings remain suspended to and from the UAE, except for specific arrangements involving Khor Fakkan and Jebel Ali. Dry bookings are also suspended to and from Iraq and the Saudi ports of Dam