MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company announced it will declare the end of the journey for shipments under its care destined for the Arabian Gulf. This means that containers in transit can be unloaded at the next safe port, instead of continuing to their final destination. This transforms the situation from a simple operational adjustment into a contractual event that modifies responsibilities and logistical timelines.
As part of this measure, MSC will apply a surcharge of approximately $800 per container to cover the costs arising from the diversions. In addition, it will invoke special clauses in its transport contracts to pass on additional expenses such as unloading, handling, and storage to cargo owners. If customers wish to reship their goods to another port, they will need to make a new booking, which could involve new rates and limited space availability.
Meanwhile, Maersk is still evaluating its contingency measures, relying on its hub in the Port of Salalah. However, it has already suspended the acceptance of refrigerated cargo in some markets in the region and activated emergency surcharges that can reach up to $3,800 for refrigerated containers.
Taken together, these decisions reflect how logistical strains on strategic routes can quickly impact costs, shipping reliability, and capacity availability, generating additional pressure on global supply chains.
The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the most crucial maritime corridors for the functioning of the global energy economy. This waterway connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and, despite its enormous importance, in some sections it barely exceeds 33 kilometers in width, making it a true bottleneck for world trade.
Every day, approximately 20 million barrels of oil pass through this strait, representing roughly one-fifth of global energy consumption. Much of this crude oil comes from key producing countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, whose shipments depend on this route to reach markets in Asia, Europe, and other regions.
An interesting fact is that, although oil is also transported by pipelines and other means, more than 60% of international oil trade is carried out by sea. For this reason, strategic routes such as the Strait of Malacca and the Suez Canal function as true arteries of global trade, allowing the constant flow of energy between continents.
Due to its importance, any political or military tension in the region can have immediate effects on oil prices, supply chains, and international financial markets. Even minor incidents in this area have historically led to increases in crude oil prices and concerns in economies dependent on imported energy.
Henecán Transforms: A Strategic Investment for Logistics in Southern Honduras
The investment of over USD 180 million to modernize and expand the Port of Henecán in San Lorenzo marks a turning point for Honduran foreign trade.
This is not just about infrastructure.
We are talking about strengthening the Pacific logistics corridor and creating a competitive alternative for shipping lines operating in the region.
Dredging the access channel will be crucial in this new phase. It will allow the arrival of larger vessels, expanding the possibilities for routes and services for importers and exporters, especially in the southern and central regions of the country.
Furthermore, the modernization of Henecán consolidates the interoceanic corridor, facilitating a more efficient flow of goods between the Atlantic and the Pacific.
At JDE Cargo, we see this transformation as an opportunity to:
✔ Optimize transit times
✔ Diversify port options
✔ Reduce congestion at other ports
✔ Strengthen national logistics competitiveness
Modernization must be accompanied by operational efficiency: equipment renewal, yard improvements, and the elimination of bottlenecks. Only in this way can we guarantee agile and reliable service.
🌎 Honduras is sending a clear message to the international market: we are building a stronger, multimodal logistics network, ready for growth.
At JDE Cargo, we remain committed to offering strategic solutions that connect our clients with new opportunities on both coasts of the country.
Suspension of transit through the "Estrecho of Hormuz."
The conflict in the Middle East has led to new restrictions on international maritime transport. Shipping companies Maersk and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) have announced the temporary suspension of their transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
This decision is based on security concerns and could result in:
• Transit delays
• Operational diversions
• Increased logistics costs
• Use of alternative routes around the Cape of Good Hope
Maersk confirmed the reconfiguration of its regular services via Bab el-Mandeb and the Suez Canal, while MSC will maintain the suspension until safe conditions allow for the resumption of operations.
🌍 This geopolitical situation directly impacts logistics planning and risk management in international trade.
At JDE Cargo, we constantly monitor these changes to anticipate adjustments and provide strategic solutions that protect the continuity of your operations.
Logistics Update – Middle East
The escalating tensions in the Middle East are prompting further adjustments to international shipping, impacting routes, transit times, and rates.
Some major shipping lines have already made significant decisions:
• MSC has suspended bookings to the region until further notice.
• CMA CGM has diverted vessels around the Cape of Good Hope and paused transits through the Suez Canal.
• Maersk is also rerouting services around Africa, significantly extending transit times.
• Extraordinary Cargo Surcharges (ECS) have been implemented at ports in the Gulf and Red Sea.
📦 What does this mean for shippers?
– Increased spot rates to the Middle East
– Greater congestion at transshipment ports
– Pressure on equipment availability
– Longer and more unstable schedules
The global shipping network is once again adjusting to geopolitical factors that have an impact far beyond the immediate region.
💡 At JDE Cargo, we recommend:
✔ Booking further in advance
✔ Evaluating alternative routes
✔ Reviewing contracts and potential surcharges
✔ Adjusting inventory planning in anticipation of possible delays
We continue to monitor the situation to anticipate changes and protect the continuity of your logistics operations.
Pre-Carriage vs. On-Carriage — The shipping part many forget.
Everyone talks about ocean freight… But what happens before and after the ship? 👇
That's where pre-carriage and on-carriage come in.
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1️⃣ Pre-Carriage — Before the ship sails
This is the inland transport from the factory or warehouse to the port of departure.
It includes truck, train, or any movement prior to export clearance.
💡 Simply put: from your supplier's door to the port.
This is usually handled by the exporter or freight forwarder (depending on the Incoterms).
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2️⃣ On-Carriage — After the ship arrives
Once the container arrives at the port of destination, on-carriage is the transfer to the customer's warehouse.
💡 Simply put: from the port to the recipient's door.
This is handled by the importer, the consignee, or the local agent.
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3️⃣ Why is it important?
✔ It defines who bears the cost of inland transportation.
✔ It impacts delivery times.
✔ It can cause confusion when quoting "door-to-door" rates.
💡 Ignoring these stages can affect the entire shipment planning.
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📦 Ocean freight is just the middle of the process. Pre-carriage and on-carriage are what truly determine how smooth—or complicated—your operation will be.