Strait of Hormuz Disruption Impacts Global Logistics and Freight Networks

Commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz slowed sharply as rising regional tensions and a waterway closure prompted vessels to divert or halt operations.

Commercial shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors, slowed dramatically over the weekend following reports of heightened regional tensions and military strikes in the area. According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), vessels in the region were warned that the strategic waterway may be shut to shipping, prompting widespread diversions and operational pauses.

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow but essential conduit for global energy flows, with roughly 20% of the world’s oil and gas transiting through it. Any disruption to this chokepoint has immediate implications for global supply chains, energy markets, and transport capacity. Early data suggests those impacts are already materializing: analysis from MarineTraffic indicates a 70% drop in vessel traffic by late Saturday, as many ships reversed course, idled in the Gulf of Oman, or rerouted entirely.  Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have informed that the strait is closed and no ship would be allowed to pass through. All major container shipping carriers have announced to reroute vessels away from the Suez Canal and Strait of Hormuz since Saturday 28th February.

Effects Beyond Sea Freight

While the slowdown primarily affects tanker and container traffic, the consequences are spreading across the wider logistics ecosystem. Air freight is emerging as a parallel concern. During previous conflicts in the region, several major air hubs experienced significant operational constraints, leading to rerouting, delays, and increased costs. With many countries closing their airspace in the region, available air routes are tightening, leaving less room for traffic to move safely through the area. With Lunar New Year ending this week, further congestion and rate volatility can appear as volumes climb.

Shippers and forwarders with exposure to Middle Eastern gateways should anticipate continued volatility in transit times, potential surcharges, and constrained capacity as carriers adjust routes for safety. Contingency planning will be essential in the short term. The full impact will become clearer as the duration and scope of the situation unfold.

What Supply Chain Stakeholders Should Do Next

With uncertainty still unfolding, companies dependent on Middle East trade lanes are advised to:

• Review current routings for both sea and air freight and prepare for spontaneous diversions or delays.
• Reassess Incoterms to understand where risk transfers along the supply chain; especially important as standard CIF/CIP insurance does not typically include war risk.
• Audit insurance coverage to confirm whether additional riders are needed for shipments likely to transit high-risk areas.
• Track additional expenses: Diversion, storage, and handling fees must be included in your import declaration as they are incurred before arrival.

As conditions evolve, it will be critical to work closely with logistics partners capable of rapid adaptation across transport modes and corridors. Customs Support Group is present in every major seaport and airport across Europe, providing support with your customs processes and maintaining your customs connection while you redirect or amend your freight routes during this period of disruption.