Maersk Says Hormuz Crisis is Squeezing Global Marine Fuel Supply

Global shipping giant A.P. Moller – Maersk has warned that the escalating conflict in the Middle East is beginning to disrupt global marine fuel supply chains. The carrier says the situation is affecting access to bunker fuel used by vessels operating across international shipping lanes.

In an operational update issued on March 10, Maersk said the evolving security situation around the Strait of Hormuz is significantly impacting fuel availability and forcing the company to take additional operational measures to stabilize its network.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, handling roughly 20% of global fuel movements. According to Maersk, the conflict has reduced refinery operations in the region, with several facilities operating at limited capacity and export activity constrained.

These disruptions have begun to affect the global bunkering system as carriers work to secure fuel supplies for their fleets. Maersk said it has been redistributing fuel globally and sourcing bunker supplies from alternative regions and suppliers to offset shortages in the Middle East.

To address rising costs and fuel availability challenges, Maersk announced it will introduce a temporary Emergency Bunker Surcharge (EBS) starting March 25, 2026, subject to regulatory approval.

The surcharge will apply globally and is intended to address fuel supply disruptions and price volatility beyond the scope of the company’s existing Fossil Fuel Fee.

Under the new surcharge structure:

• $200 per 20-foot container on long-haul headhaul trades

• $400 per 40-foot container on long-haul headhaul trades

• Lower charges will apply to backhaul and intra-regional shipments

• Refrigerated cargo could face charges up to $600 per 40-foot reefer container

Maersk said the surcharge will be reviewed every 14 days and may be adjusted depending on fuel availability and market conditions.

The company noted that the measure is intended to help maintain service reliability as global fuel supply chains face increasing pressure.

At the same time, maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains heavily constrained. Reports indicate that approximately 10 Maersk container ships are currently positioned within the Persian Gulf, remaining in port or at anchorage while operators monitor security conditions in the region.

The situation highlights how tensions around the Strait of Hormuz are beginning to affect not only shipping routes but also global fuel markets that support international maritime operations.

By: gCaptain