Global Shipping Update: What Global Mobility Managers Need to Know (April 2026)

Each month, the British Association of Removers (BAR) publishes independently produced guidance to give an objective overview of the global shipping market.

Combined with our own front-line experience managing international moves day-to-day — and the latest operational insight from partners across key regions — here are the key takeaways Global Mobility Managers and those with responsibility for global relocations should be aware of this month. 

What to know about the Middle East

Current position: high disruption, with early signs of stabilisation in key hubs

We are continuing to monitor developments affecting shipping and relocation services in the Middle East. While there have been some early signs of stabilisation in parts of the region, disruption remains significant and is impacting both current and planned shipments. 

Ongoing regional uncertainty is influencing mobility patterns, with some clients reviewing or adjusting assignment plans. We are closely monitoring the situation and remain ready to support both planned and short-notice relocations with flexible, responsive solutions. 

Note: This is a highly fluid situation and the information below is our current knowledge at the date of publishing. 

Middle East Shipments – Current Position

• New shipments to the Gulf region are currently suspended by major shipping lines
• Insurance cover for the region is not currently available
• US visa and consular services across the GCC remain paused, impacting assignment timelines

Where alternative routings are available, these remain limited and carry a higher risk of delay and additional cost

Shipments Already in Transit

For shipments that were already on the water:

• Some have been discharged at alternative ports (e.g. India)
• In certain cases, shipments have been declared “End of Voyage” (Force Majeure) by the shipping line

This means:

• The shipping line declares it has fulfilled its contractual obligation
• Responsibility and costs for onward movement or return of the shipment sits with the shipper

At Bournes we are actively working with the shipping lines for our current shipments to confirm current shipment locations; to identify available options (return to origin or onward routing) and provide clear cost and timing guidance as soon as available. 

Costs and Surcharges

Due to the evolving situation, we are seeing increased cost changes, including:

• War Risk Surcharges
• Emergency Bunker Surcharges (fuel-related)
• Re-routing, port handling, and storage costs

These charges are applied by shipping lines and can arise after quotation and prior to departure, which means final costs may differ from initial estimates.

Delays and Service Disruption

Current operational challenges include:

• Extended transit times due to vessel rerouting
• Port congestion and backlog in key locations
• Rolled containers, where shipments are delayed to later sailings

While these issues are most acute in the Middle East, there is also wider global impact due to fuel costs and capacity changes.

Signs of Stabilisation

In the past day or so there have been some positive developments shared by our partners in the region, including: 

• Jebel Ali port is fully operational
• Salalah port has begun phased reopening
• Jeddah is currently the most stable regional gateway

However, capacity remains constrained, and backlogs will take time to clear.

Important Upcoming Change – Oman

From 3 May 2026, Oman Customs will require Cargo manifests to be submitted electronically at least 48 hours prior to vessel arrival

What This Means for Your Relocations

• Middle East moves may need to be delayed or reviewed - our advice would be to treat as 'on hold' unless business critical, with any exceptions requiring explicit risk sign off and contingency planning. 
• Transit times will be longer and less predictable (expect this globally, not just the Middle East). We advise building in time buffers wherever possible and avoiding tight start-date dependencies. 
• Costs may change at short notice due to carrier surcharges. We advise communicating clearly to stakeholders that cost volatility is outside of GM or Supplier control and that a contingency budget is advised. 
• Shipments already in transit may require alternative routing or return planning
• Expectation management and careful communication is vital for employees affected. 

Working with your Shipping Providers

Whilst these challenges are outside of your shipping provider's control, we recommend ensuring your partners are: 

• Monitoring developments daily across shipping lines and ports
• Working directly with carriers to manage affected shipments
• Advising on practical routing and timing options
• Providing clear, proactive communication as situations evolve

WIDER GLOBAL SHIPPING CONDITIONS - APRIL 2026 POSITION

Alongside the Middle East situation, the following reflects the current position across global shipping routes:

Capacity, Congestion & Delays

•  We are continuing to see congestion across major UK ports, resulting in extended transit times and increased pressure on logistics planning. Our teams are proactively working with clients to manage expectations, plan ahead and minimise disruption wherever possible. 
• Congestion continues at key transhipment ports across Europe and Asia
• Rolled containers remain common, where shipments are delayed to later sailings
• Securing vessel space often requires increased advance notice
• Short-notice booking changes or cancellations continue to occur

Transit Times

• Transit times remain highly variable depending on vessel and routing. Example: UK to Australia sailings currently range from ~56 to 89 days (excluding delays)
• Longer routings via the Cape of Good Hope are now standard for eastbound trades
• Even where faster services are booked, there remains a risk of delays or re-routing

North America (USA, Canada, Mexico)

• Carrier alliance changes are altering routes and port calls
• Reduced capacity on Transatlantic routes is creating increased rates, oversubscribed vessels and a higher likelihood of delays and cancellations
• Most services are now consolidated through Southampton, reducing flexibility

Asia, Oceania & India (Eastbound from Europe)

• Ongoing impact from Suez Canal disruption, with no confirmed return to normal routing
• Congestion at Asian transhipment ports is causing repeated rolling of containers
• Services to the Middle East (where included in Asia loops) remain heavily constrained
• Oceania shipments are particularly exposed to multi-stage delays

Mediterranean

• Reduced service coverage as vessels no longer transit via the Suez Canal
• Some ports are being omitted entirely, with longer transit times as a result

Africa (Southbound from Europe)

• Core port services remain generally stable
• However, reduced inland/on-carriage options are limiting final destination coverage
• Some regions (particularly Indian Ocean islands) have fewer accessible routes

Latin America & Caribbean

• Ocean services are relatively stable
• However, customs clearance and release times can be extended, often exceeding free storage periods
• This may result in additional storage charges at destination

Regulatory & Operational Developments

• ICS2 (EU import control system) now requires additional pre-arrival shipment data. This means shipping companies may require more detailed personal information from customers, and there is a potential for delays if data is incomplete or rejected. There is increased scrutiny on “household goods” classifications, which may lead to additional checks

Special Cargo Considerations

• Lithium-ion batteries are still recommended to be excluded from shipments due to:
  • Increasing restrictions and inconsistent acceptance by carriers
  • Requirement for hazardous cargo declaration and surcharges
  • Misdeclaration carries significant financial and legal risk
• Certain nationalities (e.g. Russian passport holders) may face carrier restrictions

What This Means for Your Relocation Planning

While conditions vary by route, the following principles continue to apply:

• Transit times are longer and less predictable than historical norms
• Costs remain subject to change, including after quotation
• Delays, re-routing and rolled containers are now a normal part of operations

While global shipping conditions remain complex, the key for Global Mobility is working closely with their relocation partners to proactively manage risk and adapt to the overall environment.