Ocean freight diversions surge amid Strait of Hormuz disruption: report

A new report from project44 says average daily ocean freight diversions have surged more than 360 per cent amid disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.

The company’s latest Supply Chain Insights report says diversions increased from 218 per day to 1,010, with March 5 marking the largest single-day spike when 2,363 diversions were recorded within a 24-hour period. The report says the surge represents the highest level of rerouting activity recorded in the Strait of Hormuz corridor.

The strait is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, and project44 says shifting vessel traffic patterns are increasing operational pressure across Gulf hubs and downstream trade lanes.

The report says all major ocean carriers are adjusting schedules in response to the disruption, with Mediterranean Shipping Company accounting for 59 per cent of tracked diversions.

Diversions are concentrated at Gulf gateways including Jebel Ali, Abu Dhabi and Hamad, while Khawr Fakkan is handling about 15 per cent of total diversions. Sohar, Hambantota, Mundra and Mumbai are also receiving redirected cargo volumes as carriers reroute vessels.

The report says congestion is building at Indian ports as the rerouted traffic arrives, with projected arrival delays of up to 49 days at Mundra and departure delays rising 118 per cent at Navi Mumbai.

Project44 says that unlike previous maritime disruptions, there is no long-haul alternative route for Gulf cargo, leaving some ports effectively cut off from direct ocean access and increasing reliance on surrounding hubs.

The company says diverted volumes are likely to add further schedule instability and extend transit times across Middle East and South Asia trade lanes as regional uncertainty and changing war risk insurance conditions continue.

Project44 says it will continue monitoring vessel behaviour, port performance and schedule stability as the situation evolves.