Maersk Updates on Port of Salalah Security Incident; Operations Suspended Up to 48 Hours

Maersk has provided an update on a security incident affecting operations at the Port of Salalah in Oman, confirming all crew are safe and no company vessels or cargo have been affected by the incident. According to the carrier's March 29 statement, the incident has caused damage to the container terminal currently undergoing assessment. A damaged crane and underwater obstructions are being inspected by experts and divers, respectively. The carrier confirmed that the operational footprint remains limited to a specific area of the terminal. **Operational Impact** All operations at the port remain suspended, with Maersk expecting the suspension to continue for up to another 48 hours, subject to guidance from port authorities. The company said the limited scope of the damage is not expected to significantly hamper overall terminal operations or capacity. Vessels already en route to Salalah will continue to call at the port, though operational delays are anticipated as a result of ongoing restrictions. Maersk stated it is "closely monitoring developments" and remains in contact with relevant authorities and port stakeholders. **Supply Chain Context** Port of Salalah, located on the Arabian Sea in southern Oman, serves as a critical transshipment hub connecting shipping routes between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The port handles container traffic and serves as a strategic stopover point for vessels transiting the region. Any disruption to the facility—even if temporary—can ripple across regional and global supply chains by creating queue delays and forcing vessel reroutes. Given the 48-hour operational suspension window and the limited scope of physical damage reported by Maersk, the carrier is signaling that recovery and return to normal throughput is expected relatively quickly. However, delays to vessels currently queuing or diverting to alternate ports could accumulate even as the port's capacity remains largely intact. **Next Steps** Maersk said it will provide further updates as information becomes available and encouraged customers to contact local Maersk representatives for specific support with their shipments. The carrier is maintaining a dedicated information page for Middle East developments. The incident marks another reminder of operational vulnerabilities at key global ports, following a series of disruptions at major facilities over the past 18 months. Port of Salalah's recovery timeline will be closely watched by carriers and freight forwarders with cargo in the region.