FIDI movers say they are preparing for continued upheaval in Middle East supply chains for at least the next two months, as the key Strait of Hormuz shipping route remains blocked and bombing continues across the region.
In an update on March 16, Craig Reilly, Group CEO of UAE-based DASA International Movers, advised customers to ‘expect continued volatility in ocean and air freight pricing’. Diversions and congestion are extending sea freight shipping times, also bringing significant cost increases. He added that movers should plan for ‘longer HHG transit times and prioritise essential items by air where required’ over the next 30 to 60 days.
Reilly said ocean services into Upper Gulf ports are still widely suspended, with cargo being rerouted through Red Sea and Arabian Sea hubs before onward movement by land or feeder services. Air freight capacity across key Asia–Middle East–Europe corridors is tight.
‘Land and rail corridors have become critical to maintaining supply chains into GCC markets,’ he said. ‘Containers arriving at Red Sea and Gulf of Oman ports are moving inland via trucking and rail networks, including Saudi landbridge routes and Etihad Rail. For relocation and household goods shipments, sea freight lead times into GCC destinations have extended by roughly three weeks due to congestion and additional transshipment steps.’
Reilly added that the company can give lane-specific updates for cargo or relocation programmes on request.
Canadian Affiliate AMJ Campbell is among a number of other FIDI Affiliates issuing regular advisory notes on the situation, including details of restrictions and delays along shipping routes, and new charges introduced by carriers, which include detention and demurrage, and war risk and fuel emergency levies.
‘If your shipment is currently in transit, your AMJ representative will contact you directly should any changes occur,’ the company said in its most recent update.