China-based container carrier COSCO SHIPPING Lines has resumed bookings for general cargo shipments from the Far East to several Middle East destinations, following a previous suspension linked to regional tensions.
The company said bookings are now open for cargo bound for the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq and Oman, with immediate effect.
COSCO outlined a range of multimodal transport solutions to support the resumed flows. Shipments to Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali will move via bonded land bridge routes through Khorfakkan or Fujairah, while cargo to Upper Gulf countries will be routed via the same ports to Abu Dhabi CSP before onward feeder connections across the region.
Cargo destined for Oman will be transshipped via Nhava Sheva in India to Sohar.
The company cautioned that both bookings and actual cargo movements remain subject to change depending on the evolving situation in the Middle East and available capacity.
COSCO added that previously accepted bookings will not be affected by the new arrangements and said it will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as needed.
