Image: Ash-Sharq

Global Shipping Reroutes Around Africa as Middle East War Shuts Key Chokepoints

01 April, 2026.Africa.9 sources

Key Takeaways

Major carriers reroute around the Cape of Good Hope to avoid Suez and Bab al-Mandeb.
Longer routes raise costs and lift freight rates.
Tanger Med port expects surge in calls due to rerouting.

Suez and Hormuz Closed

The Strait of Hormuz and Suez Canal chokepoints are closed.

“Maersk, the giant Danish shipping company, is temporarily changing the routes of some of its ships away from the Suez Canal in response to unforeseen obstacles in the Red Sea”

AL-Monitor

Major carriers rerouted vessels around the Cape of Good Hope.

AL-Monitor

Tanger Med braces for increased traffic.

Shipping Costs Surge

Rerouting adds 30% to 70% to shipping costs.

War-risk surcharges range from $1,500 to $4,000 per container.

Baird Maritime

The Suez Canal's traffic dropped 40-45%.

African Ports Adapt

Tanger Med handled 11.1 million containers in 2025, up 8.4%.

“(BFM Bourse) - Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd shares rise sharply on Monday, March 2, after American strikes in Iran this weekend, which have effectively paralyzed maritime freight in the region”