CMA CGM Reopens Export and Import Bookings for Middle East

Key Takeaways

• Export/import bookings reopened for six Gulf nations
• Land bridges and feeder networks enable cargo movement
• Sohar and Jeddah corridors serve most destinations
• Merchant haulage option remains for major hubs
• Services cover dry, frozen, in‑gauge cargo

Summary

CMA CGM has lifted the March 3 suspension and reopened both export and import bookings for Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The carrier is routing cargo through a mix of land bridges and feeder services, notably the Sohar, Jeddah, Aqaba and Mersin corridors, with merchant haulage available at key hubs. These multimodal options cover dry, frozen and in‑gauge cargo, restoring full service capacity across the Gulf. Shippers are advised to contact local representatives for booking details.

Pulse Analysis

The Middle East has long been a logistical crossroads, but recent geopolitical and operational constraints forced major carriers to pause services, creating bottlenecks for manufacturers and retailers worldwide. CMA CGM’s decision to reactivate bookings for six Gulf states reflects a broader industry trend toward resilience, as shippers seek alternatives to traditional deep‑sea routes. By leveraging land‑bridge corridors that connect ports in Oman, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, the carrier can bypass congested maritime chokepoints while maintaining transit times that meet customer expectations.

CMA CGM’s multimodal strategy hinges on three primary corridors: the Sohar route, which links Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain to a bonded land bridge in Oman; the Jeddah corridor, offering feeder vessels and truck connections to Dammam and beyond; and the Aqaba‑Mersin options that provide north‑south alternatives for Iraqi cargo. These pathways not only diversify routing options but also introduce flexibility for handling dry, frozen and in‑gauge goods. Merchant haulage, an added layer of choice, empowers large shippers to manage their own inland transport, optimizing space utilization and cost efficiency at major hubs such as Khalifa, Jebel Ali and Khor Fakkan.

For the business community, the reopening signals a rapid normalization of trade flows, reducing lead‑time volatility and supporting inventory planning across sectors from automotive to pharmaceuticals. Competitors will likely monitor CMA CGM’s corridor performance, potentially spurring further investment in land‑bridge infrastructure across the region. As global demand steadies, the carrier’s adaptive network positions it to capture market share while offering customers a reliable, end‑to‑end logistics solution. Continued collaboration with local authorities will be essential to sustain these routes and mitigate future disruptions.