Cosco Resumes Shipping Bookings Amid Middle East Tensions
Severity: Medium (Score: 43.0)
Sources: Cnbc, Iranintl, Straitstimes, Foxbusiness, Channelnewsasia
Summary
On March 25, 2026, Chinese shipping giant Cosco announced the resumption of container bookings to several Gulf countries after a three-week suspension due to the ongoing Middle East war. The company had previously halted operations in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime route for global oil and gas transport. Despite the resumption, Cosco warned that new booking arrangements and actual shipments could change due to the volatile regional situation. Iran has stated that 'non-hostile vessels' would be granted safe passage, but maritime traffic remains significantly affected. The reopening of bookings includes routes to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Iraq. The first Chinese-owned LPG carrier, Lucky Gas, successfully transited the strait recently, marking a cautious return to operations. However, the overall security situation in the region remains precarious, with potential disruptions still anticipated. Key Points: • Cosco resumes bookings to Gulf countries after a three-week suspension. • Iran has proposed a 'safe corridor' for non-hostile vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. • The shipping situation remains volatile, with potential for further disruptions.