Maersk's November 2026 IMEA Market Update covers logistics conditions across India, the Middle East and Africa. It reports that the ME1 Gemini service is transitioning to the Suez route and that Maersk is making enhancements to its Western Mediterranean-West Africa network for the rest of 2026, with broader changes planned from mid-December. The update also notes higher use of the Saudi Landbridge in October and year-end air freight peak demand in South Africa.
Summary: November’s IMEA Market Update highlights evolving logistics conditions across India, the Middle East and Africa, including ocean network developments, inland flows across West Africa, changing air connectivity in the Gulf and peak-season demand in South Africa. Explore practical considerations to support shipment planning and supply-chain flexibility.
Lilian Nganda
Customer Communications Lead - IMEA
09 Nov 2026
November begins with logistics networks across India, the Middle East and Africa continuing to adapt to regional disruption, changing capacity and seasonal demand. Ocean customers should monitor developments affecting Middle East routings while preparing for progressive network changes into West Africa. On landside, interest in the Saudi Landbridge is increasing as shippers explore more flexible routing options into Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf. Air freight remains the most fluid mode, with changing airline capacity and connectivity in parts of the Gulf, peak-season demand in South Africa and growing need for flexible gateway and multimodal options.
As market conditions continue to evolve, customers are encouraged to plan ahead, remain flexible on routing and allow sufficient time for connections and onward movements. If you have shipments moving through the Middle East or West African gateways in the coming weeks, we recommend reviewing routing and delivery timelines with your Maersk representative and following published advisories for the latest operational information.
Ocean operations in the Middle East continue to evolve in response to the regional situation. Maersk has announced that the ME1 Gemini service is transitioning to the Suez route, while separate operational updates remain available for cargo moving through the Strait of Hormuz. Customers with time-sensitive or connected cargo should review the latest published information and assess the potential effect on routing, transit times and onward delivery planning. For the latest information, please refer to our customer advisory page
Maersk is introducing enhancements to its Western Mediterranean-West Africa network for the remainder of 2026, with broader changes planned from mid-December. The redesigned network is intended to reduce exposure to congestion at key transshipment hubs, simplify cargo flows through more direct connections, add capacity into West Africa from Asia and the Middle East, and strengthen links with the Western Mediterranean.
Benefits are expected to emerge progressively as the new services are introduced and existing backlogs are cleared. During the transition, customers should continue to account for possible variability while the network stabilises.
Customers with West Africa shipments planned from mid-December should review service connections and cut-offs with their Maersk representative and allow additional time as the new network is introduced.
Use of the Saudi Landbridge increased during October as evolving conditions at Khor Fakkan and disruption linked to the Strait of Hormuz led customers to explore alternative routings into Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf. Interest is expected to continue into November, particularly when customers are seeking to reduce exposure to disruptions affecting port and shipping connections.
The trend also highlights the value of coordinating ocean and landside planning across customer’s chosen service providers. However, capacity, border processing and onward delivery requirements should be confirmed for each shipment before routing decisions are finalised.
Customers considering the Landbridge are encouraged to contact Maersk early to check on space, customs requirements, documentation and delivery feasibility, particularly for urgent or high-volume shipments.
As trade flows develop across West Africa, end-to-end supply-chain performance continues to depend on the efficient movement of cargo beyond the port. Pressure at key gateways, including Abidjan, Tema and Conakry, reinforces the importance of planning for the inland leg, particularly during periods of higher demand.
Port conditions, trucking availability, equipment positioning and inland network capacity can affect the predictability of onward movements. Where available, alternative inland solutions, including off-dock facilities, depots, rail and barge connections, can provide additional flexibility.
Customers should consider both the ocean connection and inland delivery plan, particularly where gateway conditions may affect onward movement. For shipment planning, customers may share shipment-specific volume forecasts and timing requirements directly with their Maersk representative.
Airline connectivity and routing options continue to vary across Saudi Arabia. Jeddah and Dammam remain available options, while Medina may provide additional flexibility depending on airline acceptance and cargo-handling capabilities. Published airline schedules and restrictions remain subject to change.
With capacity and schedules continuing to change, customers may need to consider alternative gateways and allow additional time when planning shipments. Customers should therefore plan ahead and remain flexible on routing and gateway options as conditions continue to evolve.
Customers are encouraged to confirm airline acceptance and capacity early, allow sufficient time in their shipment plans and remain flexible on routing and gateway options.
Airline schedules and connectivity to the UAE continue to evolve in response to the regional situation. As conditions change, customers are encouraged to plan ahead, confirm arrangements before departure and remain flexible on routing options where needed.
South Africa’s air freight market is entering the year-end peak period, supported by retail events, holiday demand and seasonal perishables. Port bottlenecks may also increase demand for air imports, while additional capacity linked to the summer season and perishables out of Cape Town could create selective opportunities. At the same time, demand is growing for multimodal and sea-air solutions, including routings through Mauritius and connections between Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.
Pharmaceuticals, biologics, vaccines and clinical-trial materials continue to require specialised cold-chain handling , monitoring, packaging and end-to-end visibility. Exporters should also watch market access developments and capacity requirements on Africa-Asia corridors.
Plan shipments early and communicate key delivery timelines to help secure suitable capacity. Compare inbound options through Cape Town where operationally appropriate and assess sea-air or multimodal routings when cost, speed and resilience need to be balanced.
Engagement at Pharma Asia 2026 highlighted the evolving logistics needs of Pakistan’s pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. These supply chains depend on reliable capacity, specialist handling and close control of time- and temperature-sensitive cargo. Customers should begin planning early to confirm routing, capacity, temperature-control requirements, packaging, monitoring and delivery milestones for sensitive shipments.
