COSCO Shipping Lines has reopened cargo bookings to Gulf countries—including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq and Oman—from 25 March, reinstating services under new transport arrangements after weeks of disruption.

The Chinese company, one of the world’s largest container carriers, had suspended all new bookings on 4 March due to regional escalations and restrictions on maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The halt affected shipments from global origins to destinations such as Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq and Kuwait, as well as most ports in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and outbound cargo from those markets.

COSCO said the suspension followed a risk assessment aimed at protecting vessels, cargo and crew amid heightened uncertainty in the Middle East.

Instead of direct sailings, cargo will now move through a combination of sea and land routes. Shipments will arrive at UAE ports such as Khorfakkan or Fujairah before being transported overland to hubs including Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali. From there, goods will be moved on feeder vessels to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Iraq. Shipments to Oman will follow a separate route via India before reaching Sohar.

The company said the new arrangements aim to keep cargo moving while reducing exposure to more sensitive areas. It also stated that bookings, routes, and schedules remain subject to change based on conditions in the Middle East.