Shipping lines suspend new cargo bookings

KARACHI: Shipping lines have temporarily suspended all new cargo bookings to and from the Middle East, Red Sea, and Eastern Mediterranean regions, citing rapidly deteriorating security conditions across the Gulf.An abrupt operational shutdowns have sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s trading community, with cargo loading at Karachi’s key port terminals coming to a halt — leaving importers, exporters, and supply chain operators in an uncertain state.Multiple major international shipping lines have simultaneously issued fresh advisories, suspending all new cargo bookings for ports across the Red Sea and Eastern Mediterranean.The suspensions cover a sweeping range of Gulf nations, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar — virtually the entire commercial maritime corridor of the Middle East.Sources within the shipping industry confirmed that the advisories were not merely precautionary notices but were accompanied by an immediate operational freeze, with cargo handling officially discontinued at affected ports.All new bookings for the Middle East region have been temporarily suspended. Operations will resume once the security situation improves, a shipping lines letter said.READ ALSO: Shipping lines charging rates as per official exchange rates: FBRConsequently, the cargo loading at terminals in Karachi has been suspended in response to the Persian Gulf and Middle East crisis.Critically, operations at Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited and Qasim International Container Terminal have been restricted — with vessels now only permitted to discharge incoming cargo, while all outbound loading operations remain suspended until further notice.Beyond the port-level suspensions, shipping lines have issued instructions to vessels currently in the sea to reduce their speed and await further guidance either in safe harbours or at offshore anchorage points l, one of the shipping lines tweet said.All ships operating within the Gulf region have been specifically directed to proceed immediately to designated safe ports.Shipping companies have also said that they are actively reviewing emergency contingency plans for all cargo.Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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