CMA CGM suspends Middle East bookings as Iran attacks tankers and refineries

CMA CGM has become the latest global container line to suspend all cargo bookings to the Middle East after Iranian attacks intensified disruptions across the Persian Gulf.

Reports indicate that at least six oil and gas tankers have been damaged in the region. The Athena Nova, a Honduran-flagged bitumen tanker operated from the United Arab Emirates, was reportedly struck by two drones while attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz and was said to be sinking. Meanwhile, the U.S.-registered tanker Stena Imperative sustained damage during an attack at the port of Bahrain. Although no crew members were injured, one shipyard worker was killed and two others were wounded. The vessel participates in the U.S. Maritime Administration’s Tanker Security Program.

“In view of the ongoing developments in the region, CMA CGM has decided to suspend all bookings with immediate effect,” the company said in an advisory. The suspension applies to ports in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (excluding Fujairah and Khor Fakkan), Saudi Arabia (excluding Jeddah, King Abdullah Port, Yanbu and NEOM), and Iraq (Umm Qasr).

Maersk and MSC had earlier announced service adjustments, largely affecting reefer and hazardous cargo. Hapag-Lloyd suspended all transits through the Strait of Hormuz, while OOCL advised vessels to remain at least 200 nautical miles outside the waterway. Maersk confirmed that 15 services are impacted.

Beyond container flows, energy infrastructure has also come under fire. Oil storage tanks in Fujairah were targeted, resulting in a fire at the JSW terminal. UAV attacks were also reported at Salalah port in Oman and Duqm. Saudi Aramco halted production at Ras Tanura refinery, while LNG output at Ras Laffan was shut down.

Iran has vowed to cut off oil shipments from the Persian Gulf, a region that accounts for roughly 20% of global seaborne oil flows. While Iran exports the majority of its oil to China via alternative routes, the broader maritime insurance market is reacting swiftly. Members of the International Group of P&I Clubs reportedly issued 72-hour cancellation notices for certain war-risk coverage after reinsurers withdrew support, raising questions among operators about the value and reliability of such protection in escalating conflict zones.

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