Strait of Hormuz Closure Sends Ripples Through Global Container Supply Chains

The recent closure of the Strait of Hormuz is creating a ripple effect across global container supply chains, with carriers scrambling to reroute cargo away from the Persian Gulf. For companies involved in shipping and freight forwarding—including ports like Fremantle Port—the disruption highlights how geopolitical events can quickly reshape trade flows.

Container Diversions Surge

According to data from project44, container shipment diversions have surged more than 360%. Daily diversions jumped from a baseline average of 218 shipments per day to roughly 1,010. The peak disruption came on March 5, when 2,363 diversions were recorded in a single day.

With vessels unable or unwilling to transit the strait, cargo flows are shifting toward alternative ports that can be accessed safely.

Ports Absorbing Diverted Cargo

Several regional ports are now absorbing the bulk of diverted shipments:

Khawr Fakkan Port – emerging as a key transshipment hub outside the Persian Gulf

Port of Sohar – strategically positioned near the Gulf of Oman

Mundra Port – India’s largest container gateway

Jawaharlal Nehru Port – major gateway on India’s west coast

Port of Hambantota – increasingly used as a regional transshipment and logistics hub

Among these, Khawr Fakkan (also spelled Khorfakkan) is attracting particular attention. It is the UAE’s only major container terminal located outside the Strait of Hormuz, giving shipping lines direct access to the Arabian Sea without needing to enter the Gulf.

Equipped to handle Ultra Large Container Vessels, the terminal boasts 18 quay cranes—including Super Post-Panamax models—and a container yard covering around 450,000 m². Khawr Fakkan also serves as a land bridge for cargo destined for the UAE, with some imports reaching warehouses four to five days faster than through other UAE ports.

Disruption at Major Gulf Ports

Meanwhile, ports such as Port of Jebel Ali, Port of Abu Dhabi, and Hamad Port are facing disruption due to their reliance on the strait.

Downstream ports are already feeling the strain: at Mundra Port, departure delays have risen 72%, while Jawaharlal Nehru Port has seen delays climb 118%. Unlike the 2023–2024 Red Sea shipping crisis, where vessels could reroute via the Cape of Good Hope, there is no alternative route around the Strait of Hormuz.

What This Means for Freight Forwarding

Carriers are pausing bookings, staging vessels in safer waters, and redesigning schedules around accessible ports. The coming weeks will test how quickly these hubs can absorb the surge.

For freight forwarders and shipping operators in ports like Fremantle, this situation underscores the importance of flexible planning, proactive routing, and strong relationships with regional gateways. Understanding alternative ports such as Khawr Fakkan, Mundra, or Hambantota will be key to navigating supply chain disruptions effectively.