A.P. Moller-Maersk (Maersk) has announced a series of temporary line detention and free time measures across key Middle East gateways.

The carrier cited evolving conditions affecting navigation and port operations in and around the Strait of Hormuz.

The measures are intended to support vessel, crew and cargo safety while providing customers with additional flexibility in managing empty container flows and supply chain continuity. All adjustments are time-bound and vary by port, movement type and discharge window.

Across multiple scenarios, the carrier is extending free time allowances up to 15 days for selected shipments and discharge periods, alongside targeted fee structures and optional extension packages at Salalah and Jeddah.

At Salalah, containers discharged between 28 February and 25 March 2026 and not gated out by 25 March will receive up to 15 days of free time, with extensions applied automatically where contracted allowances are lower.

READ: Maersk shifts port operations as Hormuz risk grows

Standard terms resume after expiry, with eligibility windows for gate-out between 25 March and 30 April 2026.

For containers discharged on or after 26 March 2026 at Salalah and Jeddah, standard or contracted free time remains in place, with optional paid extensions available.

At Salalah, this is priced at $360 per container for 12 days, while Jeddah offers eight-day packages at $100 for local moves and $240 for cross-border movements.

At Jebel Ali, Maersk will extend free time to 15 days for eligible containers discharged between 28 February and 15 March 2026 that remain uncollected.

Transhipment cargo remaining in port will incur a temporary storage charge of $25 per TEU per day from discharge, alongside applicable reefer plug-in and terminal fees.

For exports, merchant haulage cross-border shipments will be granted up to 15 days free time for containers with a price calculation date on or before 30 April 2026.

READ: Maersk introduces temporary 3 per cent inland fuel surcharge

A separate scheme applies to Jebel Ali–Oman movements (Salalah and Sohar), offering 15 days free time for eligible shipments between 4 June and 15 July 2026.

Maersk said that in cases where contracted free time exceeds the temporary measures, existing service terms will continue to apply.

All adjustments remain subject to local regulations, with alternative return locations potentially incurring standard destination and demurrage and detention (D&D) tariffs.

For more information:

Maersk – https://www.maersk.com/