Maersk is suspending calls to Jebel Ali and restructuring its Protea service linking South Africa and the Middle East, citing ongoing political tensions. The carrier is also adjusting emergency contingency surcharges on reefer shipments in the region.
**Jebel Ali Suspension Reshapes Middle East Connectivity**
Maersk announced sweeping operational changes to its South Africa-Middle East trade lanes on April 2, temporarily removing the Port of Jebel Ali, UAE's primary container terminal, from its Protea service due to what the carrier described as "ongoing political tensions."
The suspension reflects mounting geopolitical risks in one of the world's most critical trade corridors. Jebel Ali, part of the Port Authority of Dubai, has long served as a major transshipment hub linking South Asian exports to African and European markets. The removal from Maersk's weekly schedule marks a significant operational disruption for shippers reliant on UAE connections and signals carrier caution regarding the region's stability.
**Service Restructuring and Network Adjustments**
Maersk is simultaneously restructuring the Protea service as part of a broader "network simplification initiative." The carrier is transitioning the service from a traditional weekly rotation to a five-week proforma using four vessels. Under the new structure, every fifth week will be blanked from Durban, South Africa, with weekly coverage resuming on a four-week frequency thereafter.
According to Maersk, this change aims to "enhance schedule reliability and reduce cascading disruptions across the network"—industry language for managing vessel utilization more efficiently while absorbing demand volatility in volatile trade lanes.
The revised rotation will operate: Mundra → Nhava Sheva → Durban → Mundra, strengthening the India-South Africa trade loop. The first sailing under the new proforma departs Mundra on April 14, 2026, aboard the APL Cairo (Voyage 616).
**Workaround: Transshipment via India**
To maintain UAE market access, Maersk is redirecting cargo destined for the Emirates through India transshipment points. This routing adds complexity and cost to supply chains but preserves connectivity while the carrier monitors the security situation. Shippers will need to coordinate with Maersk representatives for tailored routing guidance.
The suspension highlights a broader challenge facing container carriers: balancing operational efficiency with geopolitical risk management. Jebel Ali handles approximately 14 million TEU annually and competes with other regional hubs including Port Rashid (Dubai) and ports in the Indian subcontinent.
**Reefer Surcharge Adjustments**
Maersk simultaneously announced Emergency Contingency Surcharge (ECS) adjustments for refrigerated container shipments covering Oman exports and Khor Fakkan imports, plus intra-regional Indian Subcontinent-Middle East flows. The surcharges took effect April 2 for non-FMC trades.
For FMC-regulated corridors (US, US territories, Taiwan, Colombia), a 30-day notice period applies; Vietnam receives 15-day notice. The surcharge adjustments reflect rising operational costs in the region, likely driven by security measures, longer transit times via alternate routes, and increased insurance premiums.
**Supply Chain Impact**
These changes will pressure shippers with South African exports, particularly perishables (reefer cargo) destined for Middle Eastern markets. The extended rotation and forced transshipment via India could add 3–7 days to transit times and increase total logistics costs by 5–12%, depending on final routing.
For containerized exports from South Africa and the islands to the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent, shippers should reassess routing strategies and factor extended lead times into planning. Regional importers dependent on direct connections to Jebel Ali face similar disruptions.
Maersk stated it remains "focused on delivering resilient and efficient logistics solutions" and will provide further updates as the situation evolves. The carrier emphasized that all surcharge changes remain subject to applicable regulatory approvals and notice periods.