Maersk has implemented temporary adjustments to empty container return procedures across several Middle East markets, in response to ongoing security developments affecting maritime navigation and port operations in the Strait of Hormuz region.
These measures have been introduced to safeguard vessel integrity, crew safety, and cargo security amid continued operational uncertainty in the area.
Effective immediately and until further notice, empty containers originating from both existing and new import shipments into the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia (Jubail), Iraq, and Oman (Duqm) will no longer be accepted at standard return locations. Instead, all such empties must be returned exclusively to carrier-designated depots.
The currently approved return locations are:
Salalah and Sohar (Oman)
Jeddah (Saudi Arabia)
Limited empty container acceptance remains available at select locations, subject to real-time operational capacity and prevailing empty acceptance status. Specifically:
In Saudi Arabia, Dammam and Jubail ports continue to accept all 40-foot dry and refrigerated containers; however, 20-foot dry containers are accepted only upon payment of a USD 2,200 per-container drop-off charge.
In Jordan, empty containers may be returned at Aqaba.
In Bahrain, empty returns are permitted subject to a USD 3,000 per-container drop-off charge.
In Kuwait, empty returns are permitted subject to a USD 2,500 per-container drop-off charge.
For containers already discharged and covered by issued delivery orders, empty returns may proceed to the location specified on the delivery order—provided that facility is actively accepting empties at the time of gate-in. Should the designated location be temporarily non-operational for empty returns, Maersk will promptly issue revised instructions directing the return to an alternative, fully operational designated depot.
Pursuant to Maersk’s standard contractual terms, customers receiving containers at a carrier-nominated location agree to return the empty equipment either to that original location—or, where empty acceptance is suspended, to an alternate depot formally communicated via Maersk’s official customer advisories. Similarly, customers requesting a change of discharge destination acknowledge that empty returns will be directed to the newly nominated location, or—if that location is not accepting empties—to another carrier-specified port or depot.
Detention and demurrage charges will be calculated in accordance with the applicable local tariff at the designated return location, consistent with prevailing national regulations. Customers encountering cross-border return constraints are advised to contact their dedicated Maersk representative without delay to coordinate compliant, interim logistical solutions.
Maersk emphasizes that these temporary measures remain subject to periodic review and potential revision, in alignment with evolving safety assessments and operational conditions in the region.