In its November 2026 India, Middle East and Africa (IMEA) market update, published on November 9, the Danish carrier highlighted uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, rising demand for Saudi Arabia’s inland transport corridors and seasonal pressure on South Africa’s air cargo market.     The developments are prompting shippers and freight forwarders to reassess transit times, port gateways and inland transportation arrangements as supply chains adapt to changing operational conditions.     Maersk confirmed that its ME1 Gemini service is transitioning to a route through the Suez Canal, marking an important adjustment to its shipping network connecting India, the Middle East and Europe.     The carrier said the operating environment in the Middle East remains fluid, with separate advisories continuing to apply to shipments involving the Strait of Hormuz.     The revised routing could influence transit times, connecting services and cargo delivery schedules, particularly for shipments involving multiple transport modes.     Maersk is preparing a major restructuring of its Western Mediterranean and West Africa network, scheduled to commence in mid-December 2026.    The revised network is designed to reduce reliance on congested transshipment hubs, establish more direct connections and increase capacity for cargo moving from Asia and the Middle East into West African markets.     However, congestion at ports such as Abidjan, Tema and Conakry, together with constraints in trucking capacity and equipment availability, continues to affect inland cargo movements.     Maersk identified off-dock facilities, inland depots, rail connections and barge services as alternative solutions to improve cargo evacuation and distribution, wherever infrastructure permits.     Demand for Saudi Arabia’s Landbridge corridor increased during October as disruptions associated with the Strait of Hormuz and changing operating conditions at Khor Fakkan encouraged shippers to explore alternative transport arrangements.     The inland corridor is emerging as an alternative for cargo entering Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region. Maersk expects interest to remain strong through November.      However, the carrier cautioned that available transport capacity, customs formalities, border processing and final-mile delivery arrangements must be verified before shipments are committed to alternative routes.     Air freight connectivity across Saudi Arabia and the UAE continues to evolve as airlines adjust schedules and available capacity.     Jeddah and Dammam remain potential gateways for Saudi-bound shipments, while Medina could provide additional options depending on cargo acceptance and handling capabilities.    Maersk advised customers to confirm airline capacity and operational restrictions before dispatching time-sensitive cargo.     South Africa’s air freight market is entering its seasonal peak, supported by retail demand, holiday shipments and exports of perishable commodities.     Port congestion could generate additional demand for air imports, while summer flight capacity and agricultural exports from Cape Town may create opportunities for cargo operators.    Maersk also highlighted growing interest in combined sea-air freight solutions, including connections through Mauritius and domestic logistics links connecting Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.     In Pakistan, pharmaceutical and healthcare logistics are generating increasing demand for specialised temperature-controlled transportation.    

Following industry discussions at Pharma Asia 2026, Maersk emphasised the importance of specialised packaging, continuous temperature monitoring and shipment visibility for vaccines, biologics and clinical trial materials.    The carrier advised pharmaceutical shippers to establish transportation requirements and delivery milestones well in advance to secure suitable capacity and maintain cargo integrity throughout the supply chain.