Customer Advisory: Operational Deviation for Shipments Related to the Middle East Region
HMM extends its sincere appreciation to all customers, partners, and stakeholders for their continued trust, cooperation, and support. The company recognizes the importance of maintaining reliable global supply chains and remains committed to providing transparent communication during periods of disruption. Unfortunately, due to rapidly evolving geopolitical developments in the Middle East region, HMM must implement temporary operational measures affecting shipments connected to certain ports.
The current security situation in the region has significantly deteriorated as a result of ongoing hostilities and escalating conflict. Recent developments have led to heightened risks for commercial shipping operations in and around key maritime corridors, particularly in the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz and adjacent waters. These developments have resulted in a situation where normal maritime navigation conditions can no longer be assured for vessels operating in the region.
Over the past several weeks, multiple commercial vessels have reportedly been targeted or attacked while transiting through the broader Middle East maritime zone. Such incidents have raised serious concerns regarding the safety of shipping routes connecting the Arabian Gulf, the Red Sea, and the Horn of Africa. As tensions intensify and the risk of further attacks increases, the safety of vessels, crew members, and cargoes transiting these waters has become a matter of critical concern for maritime operators.
In addition to the threat posed by direct attacks, there are growing operational risks associated with the potential closure or disruption of key shipping channels. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most strategically significant maritime chokepoints in the world, facilitating the movement of a substantial share of global energy and commercial trade. Any instability in this corridor creates immediate consequences for global shipping operations, and the present situation has led to serious apprehension regarding the continued safe passage of vessels.
Given the severity of the security risks and the unpredictability of the evolving conflict, HMM has conducted extensive internal risk assessments in consultation with maritime security advisors and operational teams. These assessments have concluded that allowing vessels to proceed to ports in the Arabian Gulf, the Red Sea, and the Horn of Africa may expose ships, crews, and cargoes to a serious and imminent threat of harm. Such risks include potential vessel damage, cargo loss, personal injury, or even loss of life resulting from warlike activities or disruptions to established sea routes.
In light of these developments, HMM regrets to inform customers that the company must invoke its contractual rights and operational liberties under the applicable HMM Bill of Lading terms. This action is necessary to safeguard the safety of vessels, crew members, and cargoes under HMM’s care and custody. These measures apply to all shipments that are currently in transit, already loaded, awaiting transshipment, or scheduled for delivery to ports located within the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, or Horn of Africa regions.
Under these provisions, HMM will implement voyage deviations for any affected shipments. Vessels currently en route to the impacted regions will be redirected to alternative safe ports where operational conditions allow cargo to be discharged securely. These alternative ports will be selected based on proximity, safety considerations, and practical operational feasibility under the prevailing circumstances. The goal of this measure is to ensure that cargo can be safely offloaded in a secure location rather than exposing vessels and crews to unnecessary danger in high-risk areas.
Once cargo is discharged at the designated alternative port, further arrangements for the handling and onward movement of the goods will need to be coordinated in accordance with the relevant terms and conditions set out in the HMM Bill of Lading. These provisions allow the carrier to take necessary actions during extraordinary events such as war, hostilities, or other force majeure situations that make it unsafe or impossible to complete the originally intended voyage.
Due to the operational complexities associated with such deviations, HMM will implement a deviation recovery charge for affected shipments. A fee of USD 1,000 per container will apply to cover the additional costs incurred as a result of the deviation process. These costs may include, but are not limited to, cargo handling, temporary storage, port operations, administrative processing, and other logistical services required to safely manage the cargo under the altered routing arrangements.
HMM emphasizes that these charges are necessary to offset the extraordinary operational expenses resulting from the disruption. The company remains committed to managing these costs responsibly while maintaining the highest standards of safety and compliance during this period of instability.
For shipments that have already been booked but have not yet been loaded onto vessels, HMM regrets that transportation services to the affected regions cannot proceed under the current conditions. The rapidly deteriorating security environment has made it impractical to safely commence new voyages destined for the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, or Horn of Africa ports.
In cases where cargo has already been delivered to container yards or terminals in preparation for loading, those goods will be destuffed and returned to the customer whenever possible. Such returns will occur entirely at the customer’s risk and expense. Alternatively, where necessary, HMM reserves the right to dispose of or otherwise handle the goods in a manner deemed appropriate under the applicable Bill of Lading terms. These measures are intended to ensure that cargo does not remain stranded in operational facilities during a period when transportation services to the intended destinations are suspended.
Customers should also note that the HMM Bill of Lading terms clearly outline the carrier’s rights and obligations in situations involving force majeure events or circumstances that endanger maritime operations. According to these provisions, once cargo has been discharged at an alternative safe port under such conditions, HMM’s obligations regarding the transportation of those goods are considered fulfilled.
This means that the act of discharging cargo at the designated safe port constitutes full delivery under the terms of the contract. From that point onward, all risk, responsibility, and associated costs relating to the cargo transfer to the customer. HMM will therefore be released from any further liability or obligation concerning the goods once the discharge has been completed.
Customers should also be aware that any expenses associated with the discharge and storage of cargo at the alternative port will be borne solely by the customer. These expenses may include port handling charges, storage fees, customs processing costs, and any other operational charges incurred while the goods remain at the alternative location.
In addition to these operational adjustments, HMM must also announce the temporary suspension of new booking requests for shipments originating from or destined for ports within the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, and Horn of Africa regions. This suspension will take effect immediately and will remain in place until the security situation stabilizes and safe maritime passage can be reasonably assured.
The company understands that these measures may cause inconvenience to customers and supply chain partners who rely on regular shipping services in the region. However, the safety of seafarers, vessels, and cargo must remain the highest priority. Operating under conditions where vessels could face direct threats or navigational hazards would be irresponsible and contrary to internationally recognized maritime safety practices.
HMM continues to closely monitor developments in the region and is maintaining constant communication with maritime authorities, security experts, and port operators. The company will provide further updates as the situation evolves and will notify customers of any changes to the current operational measures.
In the meantime, HMM’s teams are working diligently to manage affected shipments and to provide customers with additional details regarding discharge locations, cargo documentation requirements, and any supplementary freight charges or operational expenses that may arise as a result of these measures.
The company appreciates the patience, cooperation, and understanding of its customers during this exceptionally challenging period for global maritime trade. HMM remains fully committed to transparency, safety, and responsible logistics management while navigating these unprecedented circumstances. Further information and guidance will be communicated as soon as additional developments become available.
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