Iran War Forces Maersk To Pause Major Shipping Services

Global shipping giant Maersk has suspended two major shipping routes connecting the Middle East with Asia and Europe as the U.S. led war against Iran disrupts maritime trade, according to CNBC.

The company halted its FM1 service between the Far East and the Middle East and its ME11 route linking the Middle East with Europe.

Maersk, a bellwether for global trade, suspends two key shipping services due to Iran war https://t.co/vnObpZq3e8

— CNBC (@CNBC) March 6, 2026

Maersk said the move was a precaution to protect crews and vessels as the conflict intensifies. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has largely stopped since U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran began on Feb. 28. The narrow waterway typically carries about 20 percent of global oil and gas shipments.

Freight analytics firm Xeneta reported that around 147 container ships are currently stranded in the Persian Gulf. The disruption has triggered shipping delays, port congestion, and rising freight rates.

Maersk also suspended several regional shuttle services in the Persian Gulf while adjusting other routes serving Europe and India, CNBC reported.

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tippinsightsTIPP Staff