IAMTrusted member DASA International Movers has provided the latest situation related to the moving and relocation industry as fire broke out at the Port of Jebel Ali and nearly 100 containerships “shelter in place” near the Strait of Hormuz.
In an update to IAM, Craig Reilly, chief executive officer of DASA, reported that a fire broke out at a Jebel Ali Port berth caused by debris from an aerial interception. DP World confirmed that the port has since resumed normal operations but that the incident triggered temporary suspensions across several regional hubs. Simultaneously, the “sheltering” of commercial tonnage has reached a critical mass, with 97 containerships and 16 long-haul vehicle carriers now anchored in or near the Strait, effectively seizing up regular liner trades.
Current status is as follows:
Ocean and Air Freight
Global ocean freight shipping lines remain in contingency mode with cargo redirected to Red Sea and Arabian Sea hubs before onward movement by feeder vessel or land corridor.
Emergency freight and contingency surcharges are being introduced, with some as high as US$1,800 per 20-foot container and US$3,000 per 40-foot container. Operational disruptions at some hubs and recent security-related incidents underline the fragility of these alternative nodes and the potential for further schedule disruption if additional ports are affected.
Air freight across the region continues to act as a relief valve, but capacity remains constrained. Asia to Middle East and Europe corridors are operating with limited space, and base tariffs combined with transit disruption and war risk surcharges mean that rates remain well above pre-crisis levels. “Air freight remains viable for high-value, time-critical, or essential shipments, but it cannot absorb the full volume displaced from sea transport,” said Reilly.
Land, Rail, Warehousing, and Relocation
DASA confirmed that regional land and rail infrastructure has become the backbone of cargo distribution into Gulf Cooperation Council countries. In Saudi Arabia, landbridge routes are moving containers from Red Sea ports such as Jeddah and King Abdullah Port across the Kingdom toward Riyadh and the Eastern Province. This provides an alternative to high-risk maritime routes. Across the UAE and neighboring states, bonded trucking and rail services are linking east coast ports on the Gulf of Oman, including Fujairah, Sohar, and Khor Fakkan, with inland depots and consumption centers that would previously have been supplied through direct Gulf port calls.
Household Goods Transit Times
Sea freight lead times have extended by approximately three weeks compared with pre-crisis norms. Air freight is currently reserved for small survival shipments such as documents, essential personal items, and work equipment, while full household consignments are moving through rerouted sea and land combinations.
IAM will continue to update members on this volatile situation impacting household goods moves. Members wishing to update news items affecting their country can email mark.oakeshott@iamovers.org.