We have gained experience in recent years on how these mechanisms work, but at this stage the outcome is highly unpredictable.

As your logistics provider, we want to prepare you as best we can, and in this message we aim to explain how the situation may influence logistics.

Sea Freight – increased risk in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Strait of Hormuz

Threats and attacks on commercial shipping by the Houthi militia are keeping carriers away from the Suez Canal. The previously anticipated full reopening of Suez in Q3 appears unlikely.
It has also been announced that vessels will no longer be permitted to transit the Strait of Hormuz. This strait is the world’s most critical oil chokepoint.

Consequences

• Unpredictable schedules and longer sailing times
• Equipment shortages and imbalance in the global container pool
• Limited capacity on vessels
• Increased oil and gas prices

Due to equipment imbalance, limited capacity, and rising fuel costs, carriers are already signalling higher sea freight rates.

Sea transport in the region has operated under elevated risk for a long time, and new escalation increases pressure.

Air freight

Thousands of flights to and through the Gulf region have been cancelled or rerouted. This severely impacts air cargo operations, particularly on the Asia–Middle East–Europe corridor, one of the world’s most important for time sensitive goods.
This may particularly affect:

• Seafood exports, which rely on fast and stable air connections
• Deliveries of components where timing is critical
• Ecommerce and express volumes that typically transit via Dubai and Doha

We update our customers individually per shipment.

The overall picture

It is too early to predict all the consequences of the recent unrest. Whether this situation proves to be a short term or long lasting conflict will be decisive.
What is clear, however, is that the new instability in the Middle East—combined with other ongoing global conflicts—makes the logistics landscape vulnerable and unpredictable.

We are closely monitoring developments and continuously assessing measures to minimise the impact on you as customer, but certain factors remain beond the control of logistics providers.
 

Our recommendations to you as our customer

• Plan for longer lead times where possible
• Consider temporary adjustments to inventory strategy
• Ensure closer communication with suppliers and receivers
• Contact us if critical cargo flows need prioritisation — we will look for alternative solutions where possible
• Stay attentive to any new updates we send out

About Insurance and Liability

Standard transport insurance does not apply in areas affected by war. Coverage should be clarified directly with insurance providers.
Please note that any delays, additional costs, or operational consequences arising from the current situation are beyond our control.
As a result, ColliCare cannot be held responsible for disruptions or costs that directly or indirectly occur due to these events or situations.

Should you have questions or wish to discuss how this may affect your business, please contact your Key Account Manager or your contact person.