Global shipping company MSC announced Tuesday that all shipments for ports in the Gulf were being diverted to the nearest safe port for discharge because of the Middle East war."In light of the ongoing situation in the Middle East, MSC regrets to inform you that it is compelled to declare an End of Voyage for all shipments currently under MSC's custody and care, whether located ashore or at sea," it said in a customer notice on its website for clients with shipments destined for the Gulf.
"All shipments currently en route will be diverted to the next safe port of discharge. At that location, cargo will be discharged and placed at customers' disposal for local delivery and recovery."
The Geneva-based firm said customers will have to make a new transport booking if they want their cargo forwarded to a new destination. It also said there would be a mandatory surcharge of $800 per container for all affected shipments. MSC said this was to cover deviation costs.
"MSC sincerely regrets the necessity of this decision, which arises from exceptional circumstances beyond its control," it said.
On Sunday, MSC said it had ordered its vessels in the Gulf to head to safe shelter, and had suspended all bookings for the Middle East.
US-Israeli strikes on Iran have put a new spotlight on the Strait of Hormuz, the only sea passage from the Gulf towards the Indian Ocean, through which nearly a quarter of the world's seaborne oil supplies pass, as well as a significant amount of cargo.
