FUJAIRAH : Terminals at alternative ports of call in the Persian Gulf have reopened gates to outbound freight flows, albeit gradually, according to market sources. The ports — Port of Khor Fakkan and Port of Fujairah in the UAE, along with Port of Sohar — had earlier restricted container carriers largely to import discharges after the outbreak of the Middle East conflict on February 28, amid severe yard congestion, limited evacuation capacity, and mounting pressure on inland logistics networks.
These ports emerged as critical contingency gateways for cargo originally destined for conflict-affected terminals across the Gulf region, helping maintain the flow of essential goods, industrial cargo, and consumer products into regional markets. Shipping lines and logistics operators diverted several services to these alternative hubs to minimize disruption to regional supply chains and avoid operational risks in affected waters.
However, the emergency operational model effectively created a “single-leg” cargo movement for vessel operators, with ships arriving heavily laden with imports but departing with limited or no export cargo. This imbalance significantly increased repositioning costs for carriers, reduced equipment availability, and intensified container shortages across parts of the Middle East and South Asia trade corridors.
Industry sources indicate that the gradual reopening of gates for outbound cargo is expected to ease pressure on terminal yards and improve equipment circulation. Exporters who had faced delays in moving cargo out of the Gulf region are now beginning to secure limited booking windows, although operations remain slower than normal and subject to close monitoring by port authorities and shipping lines.
Freight forwarders noted that vessel schedules continue to face disruptions due to congestion, longer berth waiting times, and revised routing patterns. Several carriers are still operating under contingency plans, with selective cargo acceptance policies and rolling schedules depending on the evolving regional security situation.
Despite operational improvements, logistics stakeholders expect supply chain instability to persist in the near term, particularly as shipping lines continue to assess risk exposure, insurance costs, and vessel deployment strategies in the region. Market participants also warned that any further escalation in regional tensions could once again impact cargo flows, transit times, and freight rates across key Asia–Middle East trade lanes.
