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Cosco: Stops New Cargo Bookings Amid Tension in the Strait of Hormuz

Published March 4, 2026, 12:11
Cosco: Stops New Cargo Bookings Amid Tension in the Strait of Hormuz

Chinese shipping giant COSCO Shipping Lines has suspended all new cargo bookings requiring destinations at ports in the Middle East, citing escalating regional conflicts and disruptions to key shipping lanes. The move affects shipments to ports in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Iraq and Kuwait. COSCO cited instability in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping waterway that Iran has threatened to close amid the ongoing crisis. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that it has “absolute control” of the Strait, a vital shipping lane for oil and gas, and any ships wishing to pass through the waterway risk damage from missiles or uncontrolled drones.