Global supply chains rattled
One month into the Middle East conflict, global supply chains remain disrupted—delays, reroutes, and higher insurance premiums are moving costs and transit times across container and commodity trades. Oil jumped on fresh escalation threats, heightening procurement and contingency planning for global shippers. (credendo.com) (rutlandherald.com)
Hapag‑Lloyd announced a War Risk Surcharge of USD 1,500 per TEU and USD 3,500 per reefer/special unit for cargo to/from the Upper Gulf, Arabian Gulf and Persian Gulf effective for bookings on or after March 2, 2026 (with FMC‑scope applications effective April 1, 2026). (hapag-lloyd.com)) Brent crude briefly topped about $116 per barrel on March 30, 2026 after Iran‑related escalation and Houthi attacks widened the conflict, while U.S. WTI futures settled above $100 a barrel the same week. (aljazeera.com)) Major carriers including Maersk, Hapag‑Lloyd and CMA CGM rerouted services around the Cape of Good Hope, a diversion industry sources say has pulled roughly 170 container ships (≈450,000 TEU) out of normal Gulf/Suez rotations and added roughly 10–14 days to Asia‑Europe voyages. (maritimenews.com)) Marine war‑risk cover was paused or canceled by several mutual clubs and underwriters for Persian Gulf transits in early March, and brokers report war‑risk premiums have jumped from ~0.3–0.4% of hull value to as high as ~1% on spikes, translating into roughly $700k–$1m extra insurance on a $100m vessel per voyage. (insurancejournal.com)) Commodity flows are constrained: Kpler reports fertiliser exports are effectively bottlenecked with only five vessels exiting the Middle East Gulf since February 28, 2026, and analysts flag downstream shortages for helium and fertiliser that will pressure manufacturing and agriculture inputs. (kpler.com)) Consultancies and large 3PLs are issuing playbooks and advisories—Efficio urged procurement teams to re‑price energy exposure and diversify suppliers while DSV has published coordinated operational guidance to manage port restrictions and continuity for customers. (efficioconsulting.com))
