Analysis of Alternative Transport Routes to the Middle East in the Face of the 2026 Shipping Crisis
- 13 hours ago
- 2 min read
The escalation of tensions in the Middle East and the suspension of container transport to the Persian Gulf by major carriers such as Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have created a new challenge for global supply chains. This situation adds to the ongoing Red Sea crisis that began in 2023, when Houthi attacks on commercial vessels forced many shipping companies to avoid the Suez Canal and reroute ships around Africa, increasing transit times by 8–10 days and significantly raising costs.
In 2026, the situation worsened with new military tensions around the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, prompting carriers to suspend calls to key regional ports, including Jebel Ali in Dubai. As a result, traditional maritime gateways to the Middle East have become unreliable, forcing logistics companies and importers to search for alternative transport corridors.
One of the most promising solutions is the development of land corridors through Türkiye and Iraq. The so-called “Development Road” project aims to create a 1,200-kilometer intermodal route linking the port of Al-Faw in southern Iraq with Türkiye and the European transport network. Although the project is still under development, parts of the corridor are already operational.
Iraq’s integration into the international TIR system has made long-distance road transport more feasible, and recent shipments from Europe to the United Arab Emirates via Türkiye, Iraq, Jordan and Saudi Arabia have demonstrated transit times of around 10 days, significantly faster than traditional maritime routes.
Another potential option is the Dubai–Haifa land bridge, which connects Gulf countries with Israel’s Mediterranean port of Haifa via road routes through Saudi Arabia and Jordan. This corridor, linked to the Abraham Accords, could reduce transit times and logistics costs compared to traditional maritime shipping. However, its use depends heavily on political stability and regional cooperation, as ongoing geopolitical tensions continue to pose a major obstacle.
A third option involves intermodal transport through Egyptian Mediterranean ports such as Alexandria or Damietta, followed by land transport to other destinations in the region. However, this solution does not eliminate the risks associated with Red Sea shipping and is therefore considered limited and less reliable for routes requiring passage through that area.
Overall, the current geopolitical situation has forced companies to reconsider their logistics strategies and diversify supply chain routes. Land-based and intermodal transport corridors are becoming increasingly important, particularly those passing through Türkiye and potentially Israel. While these alternatives may involve higher costs and operational complexity, they provide a more resilient solution for maintaining trade flows between Europe, Asia and the Middle East during the ongoing crisis.
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