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Container and RoRo flows disrupted as Gulf remains closed

Mar 31, 2026 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The effective closure of key Gulf shipping routes has halted vessel access to major regional hubs, leaving ships anchored or diverted and forcing carriers to discharge cargo at alternative ports across Oman and the UAE.

These ports are now acting as critical stopgap gateways, but they lack the scale, infrastructure and connectivity of established hubs such as Jebel Ali. As a result, cargo flows are becoming fragmented, with increased reliance on transhipment and secondary routing options.

This disruption is also impacting automotive supply chains. As of 30 March, 15 deep-sea pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs) remain locked in the Persian Gulf, including vessels linked to major Asian operators. Prior to the escalation, more than two dozen PCTCs were calling Gulf ports weekly, underlining the scale of capacity now removed from the market.

Although the number of vessels directly affected is relatively limited, the impact is amplified by the volume of vehicles already loaded and destined for the region. With transit through the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed, operators are holding cargo on board, returning vessels to origin in Asia, or discharging at alternative locations.

East Africa is emerging as a temporary relief valve, with ports such as Lamu receiving diverted RoRo volumes. Thousands of CEUs are now being held in storage, awaiting clarity on onward routing, further extending lead times and tying up equipment.

At the same time, longer-term routing options remain constrained. Potential alternatives via Red Sea gateways such as Jeddah or Aqaba face their own limitations, particularly as ongoing security concerns continue to divert Asia–Europe RoRo traffic around the Cape of Good Hope.

Pressure is already building across container flows. Congestion is rising at substitute ports, while markets such as Western India are beginning to experience delays as they absorb displaced volumes. Although global trade lanes outside the region remain broadly stable, rerouting activity is increasing and reshaping network dynamics.

A drone strike on the Salalah container terminal on 28 March further exposed the fragility of these alternative networks. The incident forced a temporary closure of one of the region’s key transhipment hubs, disrupting operations at a critical access point for Gulf-bound cargo. While the port reopened three days later, operational constraints are expected to continue, limiting throughput and extending delays.

Equipment imbalances, cargo restrictions and congestion

Beyond routing disruption, structural pressure is building within the ocean freight system. Equipment availability is becoming increasingly uneven as flows are disrupted, with empty container shortages emerging in certain markets.

At the same time, cargo handling restrictions are tightening. Metro is seeing direct evidence across Oman and other regional ports that hazardous containers are no longer being accepted, regardless of classification. Units already on terminal are being required to move off port as a priority.

However, with no viable repatriation hubs available within the region, options are extremely limited. In many cases, hazardous containers must be redirected back to origin or moved to upstream ports outside the affected area, adding cost, delay and operational complexity.

Port congestion remains a persistent constraint. Around 3 million TEU of global capacity is currently tied up in port delays, highlighting the gap between theoretical vessel capacity and the reality of moving cargo through constrained infrastructure.

Even where vessel space exists, operational limitations at ports are restricting throughput. Alternative ports are not configured to handle sustained high-volume flows, while feeder networks and regional services are being adjusted to accommodate changing conditions.

The disruption is also creating wider scheduling challenges, with sailings being rerouted and transit times becoming less predictable as carriers respond to evolving constraints.

Pressure building, with risk of spillover across modes

For now, the global impact remains more contained than previous crises, with major east–west trade lanes continuing to operate. However, underlying pressure is increasing, and the longer disruption persists, the greater the risk of wider spillover across both container and RoRo networks.

Rerouting is becoming more widespread, congestion is building at key alternative gateways and equipment imbalances are beginning to take hold. At the same time, rising oil prices are feeding into bunker costs, adding a further layer of cost pressure across all trades.

The key variable remains duration. If disruption continues, today’s regional challenges are likely to extend into broader network instability, affecting schedule reliability, transit times and overall supply chain predictability across multiple cargo types.

For shippers and other supply chain participants, the focus is shifting towards maintaining flexibility, securing capacity early and planning for multiple routing scenarios as conditions evolve.

Maintain flow across container and automotive supply chains

Metro is helping customers minimise disruption across containerised and automotive supply chains with practical, experience-led solutions.

With secure vessel capacity, alternative discharge strategies and flexible routing options, Metro keeps cargo moving as networks shift, including complex RoRo diversions and delayed vehicle flows.

Metro’s on-the-ground insight into operational constraints, including hazardous cargo restrictions and port-specific limitations, enables early intervention and reduces the risk of costly delays, diversions or cargo being stranded.

Through MVT, customers gain real-time visibility of shipments, congestion and routing options, enabling faster, data-led decisions across both container and automotive movements.

To review your current ocean or automotive supply chain exposure, hazardous cargo options or contingency plans, EMAIL Andrew Smith, Managing Director.

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Middle East overland networks under strain

Mar 31, 2026 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Overland transport across the Middle East has moved from a contingency option to a critical component of regional supply chains, as disruption to ocean and air networks forces cargo onto road-based alternatives. The result is a rapidly tightening environment, where capacity, infrastructure and cross-border processes are all under increasing pressure.

With ocean access into the Gulf restricted, containers are being discharged at ports outside the region and redirected inland via road networks. Oman, alongside locations such as Khor Fakkan, Sohar and Jeddah, has become a central staging point for cargo moving into Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets.

In practice, this means cargo originally destined for major hubs such as Jebel Ali or Hamad is now entering the region through a variety of entry points, with no standardised routing approach. As a result, overland transport is playing a far greater role in bridging gaps between discharge locations and final delivery points.

However, the infrastructure supporting this shift was not designed for sustained, high-volume container flows over long distances, and pressure is building quickly.

Trucking capacity shortages and border constraints

The rapid increase in inland volumes is exposing structural limitations across regional road networks. Trucking capacity is tightening across key corridors linking Oman, Fujairah and Saudi Arabia, with shortages extending transit times and delaying cargo recovery.

Congestion is intensifying at key nodes. In some locations, terminals are operating at full capacity, with vessel queues and dwell times extending beyond 10 days, while long truck queues are forming as cargo competes for onward movement.

At the same time, cross-border complexity is increasing. Driver availability is constrained by visa processing delays, with queues extending for hours and reducing the number of journeys each vehicle can complete. Additional restrictions on driver nationality are further limiting capacity on certain routes.

Operational constraints are also emerging at a regulatory level. Cross-border trucking is not always seamless, with limitations on where vehicles can operate and additional charges being introduced in some markets, increasing both cost and administrative complexity.

As a result, transit times are becoming less predictable and costs are rising sharply. In extreme cases, urgent shipments have seen trucking rates escalate significantly above typical market levels, reflecting both scarcity of capacity and the urgency of demand.

The weekend drone strike on the Port of Salalah has highlighted how exposed overland networks are to disruption at key staging points. The temporary closure of the terminal interrupted a critical gateway for cargo being discharged and moved inland to Gulf markets.

Although operations are set to resume from Tuesday 31st March, constraints are expected to continue, limiting throughput and adding further pressure to already congested road corridors.

Overland not scalable at current volumes

As disruption continues, overland transport is becoming a core part of regional supply chains rather than a temporary workaround. Road, rail and multimodal solutions are being deployed extensively to maintain flow into the Gulf, supported by a growing network of alternative corridors.

However, these solutions are not scalable at the level required to fully replace traditional ocean routes. Capacity limitations, border delays and infrastructure constraints are creating a bottleneck that is likely to persist as long as disruption continues.

For shippers, the challenge is operational as much as strategic — managing cargo already in transit, navigating changing routing decisions and securing inland capacity in a highly constrained environment.

Keep cargo moving with integrated solutions

By combining regional expertise and coverage with established multimodal networks, Metro is coordinating road, air-road and alternative routing strategies to bridge gaps created by disrupted ocean and air services.

Metro works proactively to secure trucking capacity, manage cross-border movements and identify the most effective corridors based on real-time conditions, reducing delays and maintaining control in a highly fluid environment.

With full visibility through the MVT platform, customers can track cargo across inland networks, monitor congestion and adapt quickly as routes and constraints evolve.

If your cargo is impacted or at risk of delay, EMAIL Andrew Smith, Managing Director, to secure capacity and define a clear route forward.

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Middle East disruption continues to reshape global supply chains

Mar 18, 2026 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Middle East linked disruption extends well beyond the region, with growing implications for global supply chains. 

As capacity tightens, routes are reconfigured and costs come under pressure, supply chains are entering a more complex and less predictable phase.

Air freight capacity tightens

Air freight markets are among the most immediately affected. Reduced capacity through key Gulf hubs — which typically handle a significant share of global cargo flows and particularly Asia — has forced airlines to reroute services and limit network coverage.

Market data indicates that capacity reductions in parts of the Middle East and South Asia have been significantly steeper than the decline in volumes, creating a sharp imbalance between supply and demand. As a result, rates on some key east–west corridors have risen by more than 50% week on week, with spot pricing increasing at an even faster pace.

Cargo is increasingly being redirected via alternative gateways such as China and Hong Kong, placing additional pressure on corridors that were previously less affected. This is tightening capacity across Asia–Europe routes and contributing to delays, space shortages and short-notice schedule changes.

At the same time, rising fuel costs and the introduction of war risk-related surcharges are adding further upward pressure, while rate validity is shortening as carriers respond to rapidly changing conditions.

Ocean disruption drives congestion, diversion and equipment imbalances

Ocean freight is facing a different but equally significant set of challenges. The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz — a corridor that typically handles a substantial share of global energy flows — has led to a dramatic reduction in vessel transits, with movements down by around 95% compared to normal levels.

Shipping lines have suspended services into the Arabian Gulf and are diverting vessels to alternative ports, where cargo is being discharged and held for onward movement. This is creating a knock-on effect across surrounding regions.

Ports outside the Gulf are now absorbing unexpected volumes. Congestion levels at key contingency hubs have reached critical levels, with some locations operating at or near full capacity and vessel waiting times extending well beyond normal ranges.

At the same time, an estimated 200,000+ TEU of capacity remains effectively trapped within the Gulf, contributing to equipment shortages in Asia as empty containers are unable to return to origin markets. This imbalance is expected to place further pressure on export flows in the coming weeks.

Rising bunker costs are also beginning to influence vessel operations, with some operators reducing sailing speeds to manage fuel consumption, adding further variability to transit times.

Costs rise as surcharges and fuel pressures build

Across both air and ocean freight, cost pressure is becoming more pronounced. Emergency surcharges linked to fuel volatility, war risk and network disruption are being introduced or expanded across multiple trade lanes.

Air freight rates have already increased sharply on key routes, while ocean carriers are implementing additional charges to reflect higher operating costs and longer routing distances. In parallel, regulatory scrutiny is increasing, particularly around how surcharges are applied and communicated.

For shippers, this is creating a more complex cost environment, where pricing can change quickly and visibility is reduced.

The past few weeks have highlighted how quickly supply chain assumptions can change and how important it is to have flexible, well-informed contingency options in place.

Metro is supporting customers by identifying alternative routings, securing capacity across air and ocean networks, and maintaining close operational control as conditions evolve.

To discuss how this situation could impact your supply chain, or to review practical routing and cost options, EMAIL Andrew Smith, Managing Director at Metro, for a direct and informed response.

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US tariff refunds move closer as customs systems adapt to process large-scale repayments

Mar 18, 2026 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The process of refunding tariffs to US importers is beginning to take shape following the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down duties imposed under emergency powers. 

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is developing a dedicated system within its Automated Commercial Environment to handle what is expected to be one of the largest refund exercises undertaken by the agency.

The process is being designed around four key stages: claim submission, automated validation and recalculation of duties, review and liquidation, and final refund payment. Importers will be required to submit detailed entry data, which the system will validate before calculating the amounts owed and issuing repayments electronically.

Although progress is being made, the scale of the task remains considerable. Tens of millions of entries are potentially affected, and the volume of data required means the process cannot be implemented immediately. Current timelines suggest the system will take several weeks to become fully operational, with further updates expected as development continues.

Data requirements will increase scrutiny on historical entries

The refund process will require importers to provide a comprehensive dataset covering entries where tariffs were paid. This includes classification details, country of origin, entry numbers, duty amounts and supporting documentation.

As a result, the process is likely to do more than simply return funds. By consolidating this level of information into a single submission, it effectively creates a detailed audit trail of past imports.

For businesses, this increases the importance of data accuracy and consistency. Any discrepancies in classification, valuation or origin could trigger further review, potentially extending timelines or leading to additional compliance checks.

Despite the scale of the opportunity, readiness across the importing community remains relatively low.

Only a small proportion of eligible importers have completed the necessary setup to receive refunds electronically. Until this process is finalised, any payments issued may be rejected, delaying recovery of funds.

At the same time, recent changes to US customs requirements mean that more detailed shipment information is already being requested earlier in the import process. Combined with the refund requirements, this is increasing the administrative burden on importers.

Submitting claims without fully validating the underlying data may expose businesses to additional scrutiny. Conversely, delaying preparation could result in slower access to funds once the system becomes fully operational.

This creates a balance between speed and compliance, where careful preparation is likely to be the most effective strategy.

Technology and expertise will play a critical role

Given the volume of entries and the level of detail required, technology is expected to play an increasingly important role in managing the process.

Automated systems can help organise entry data, validate submissions and identify inconsistencies before claims are filed. At the same time, experienced customs oversight remains essential to ensure that filings are accurate and aligned with regulatory requirements.

For many importers, this combination of technology and expertise will be key to navigating what is likely to be a complex and closely monitored process.

The tariff refund process presents a clear financial opportunity, but it also requires careful handling of data, compliance and submission timing.

Metro combines its US presence, local customs brokerage expertise and advanced systems, including its AI and machine-learning powered CuDoS platform, to support the CBP refund process - helping customers prepare accurate, compliant claims.

If you want to understand what you may be owed and how to approach the refund process with confidence, EMAIL Andrew Smith, Managing Director at Metro, to discuss how Metro’s US customs team can support your submission strategy.

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