Timely Solutions Needed to Maintain Maritime Transport Flow Amid Middle East Tensions

Tensions in the Middle East are becoming a major test for global supply chains as they sharply increase ocean freight costs, extend delivery times, and threaten import-export activities in many countries, including Vietnam.

In this context, the prompt issuance of supportive measures by authorities, together with close cooperation from the maritime transport business community, is considered essential to maintaining logistics flows and minimizing negative impacts on the economy.

Middle East Tensions Drive Up Ocean Shipping Costs

Middle East tensions and maritime transport. During the first months of 2026, geopolitical developments in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz disrupted many international shipping routes.

Marine fuel prices surged sharply within a short period:

• Fuel oil (FO) increased from USD 550 per ton to around USD 1,100 per ton
• Diesel oil (DO) rose from USD 750 per ton to nearly USD 2,000 per ton

The increase of 100% to 120% has created enormous pressure on the global maritime transport industry.

According to logistics experts, fuel currently accounts for approximately 30% to 40% of total ocean shipping costs, causing container and bulk cargo freight rates to rise simultaneously.

Specifically:

• Container shipping rates increased by 17% to 25%
• Bulk carrier freight rates rose by 30% to 45%, depending on the route

Many Shipping Lines Forced to Reroute to Avoid Dangerous Areas

Due to security risks in the Middle East, many major shipping companies have been forced to change their routes to ensure the safety of vessels and crews.

Shipping routes passing through the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz are now being diverted around the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa).

These route changes have resulted in:

• Delivery times extending by an additional 10 to 14 days
• Fuel consumption increasing by 30% to 40% per voyage
• Vessel operating costs rising by 20% to 30%

In addition, the sharp decline in vessel turnaround efficiency has caused localized container shortages in several regions.

Shipping Lines Introduce Multiple New Surcharges

Under mounting cost pressures, many international shipping companies have introduced additional surcharges.

Maersk implemented emergency fuel surcharges of:

• USD 1,800 per TEU for dry cargo
• USD 3,800 per TEU for refrigerated and dangerous cargo

Meanwhile:

• MSC added surcharges ranging from USD 122 to USD 184 per TEU
• CMA CGM imposed fuel surcharges from USD 150 to USD 180 per TEU
• Port congestion surcharges rose to as much as USD 600 per container

The increase in surcharges is placing heavy pressure on logistics and import-export businesses.

Vietnam’s Port Operations Clearly Affected

In Vietnam, the impact of Middle East tensions has already begun to appear in port operations.

In Hai Phong, liquid cargo throughput in March 2026 showed a downward trend due to:

• Supply disruptions
• Sharp increases in commodity prices
• Escalating transportation costs

Some shipping lines have also:

• Temporarily suspended cargo acceptance to the Middle East
• Applied additional transport surcharges
• Adjusted vessel schedules

This has made it difficult for many import-export companies to maintain delivery plans.

Vietnam Implements Measures to Stabilize the Maritime Transport Market

In response to fluctuations in the international logistics market, the Vietnam Maritime and Inland Waterways Administration has promptly implemented management measures to stabilize maritime transport activities.

Authorities have requested that:

• Shipping companies must not take advantage of the situation to impose unreasonable price increases
• Logistics businesses must maintain transparency regarding transport surcharges
• Seaports should optimize vessel coordination
• Pilotage and fuel supply providers should reduce operating costs

In addition, the maritime port authority system has been assigned to strengthen monitoring of service price listings and strictly handle profiteering activities that negatively affect supply chains.

Maintaining Logistics Stability Is a Critical Task

According to maritime experts, amid strong fluctuations in the global shipping market, maintaining coordination between regulators and businesses is a key factor.

Besides controlling prices and surcharges, Vietnam also needs to:

• Proactively diversify shipping routes
• Improve the capacity of the domestic fleet
• Enhance national logistics self-sufficiency
• Support businesses in reducing cost pressures

The timely issuance of supportive policies is expected to help Vietnam’s maritime industry minimize the impacts of Middle East tensions, maintain import-export activities, and ensure the stability of international supply chains.