Carriers Launch India-Middle East Shuttles Amid Rising Rates and Gulf Bottlenecks
What Happened?
Carriers including Maersk are introducing dedicated container shuttles between India's JNPA and Middle East hubs to capitalize on surging freight rates. However, regional supply chains face severe strains from trucking deficits, port bottlenecks, and booking suspensions such as Hapag-Lloyd's halt on Salalah transshipments. Shippers also confront heavy operational surcharges and spot rates reaching up to $10,000 per 40ft container.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Published date
October 24, 2026
Advisory category
operational_update
Affected Trade lanes
Indian Subcontinent -> Middle East
Affected Ports
INNSA, AEKHL, OMSLL
Who is Affected?
Shippers, BCOs, and freight forwarders moving cargo between India and the Middle East Gulf region navigating severe capacity and rate volatility.
Source:
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