09/03/2026
Even if a lasting US-Iran peace agreement is reached, ocean carriers may be slow to return to the Strait of Hormuz. After months of attacks, disrupted transits, and vessels becoming trapped in the Persian Gulf, carriers are expected to conduct extensive risk assessments before restoring pre-war routes.
The disruption has already significantly reshaped regional shipping. Jebel Ali port in Dubai reported a 90% year-over-year drop in container volume during the second quarter, while carriers and port operators continue exploring alternative ports and overland routes.
For shippers, a gradual recovery could mean continued routing changes, added transportation costs, and capacity challenges even after hostilities subside.
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