Malta Freeport Terminals is maintaining operations despite growing disruption to global shipping routes following the escalation of conflict involving Iran.

In comments to WhosWho.mt, the Freeport confirmed it is “closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East,” noting that ports across its regional network remain operational, with vessel calls and cargo handling continuing. However, the operator acknowledged that “some disruptions and temporary stoppages have been reported in certain locations as a result of the ongoing conflict.”

The Freeport is directly connected to several ports in affected areas, including Abu Dhabi, Jebel Ali, Jeddah, Khalifa, King Abdullah Economic City, Aqaba, Beirut and Tripoli, through five weekly services. Despite these links, operations in Malta itself have remained stable.

A key pressure point has been the Strait of Hormuz, where vessels are currently not permitted to transit due to security concerns. The restriction has forced shipping lines to adjust routes, in some cases significantly extending journey times.

“One of the mainline services calling at the Freeport rerouted via the Cape of Good Hope, resulting in a short delay,” the Freeport said, adding that schedules are expected to normalise in subsequent sailings.

The disruption comes on top of existing pressures in the region. Shipping companies had already been diverting vessels away from high-risk areas in recent years, particularly since attacks on commercial ships by Houthi forces in Yemen began impacting Red Sea routes.

Since the outbreak of the US-Israel war with Iran on 28th February, the situation has intensified. While some energy supplies and consumer goods continue to pass through the region, traffic through one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors has dropped sharply, with daily volumes estimated to be down by around 95 per cent.

The Malta Freeport emphasised that it remains in close contact with shipping lines, port authorities and other stakeholders, adapting to developments as they unfold. Any changes to routing or service configurations, are being communicated directly by operators. This doesn’t mean the major trans-shipment hub won’t feel the effects of the crisis if it continues. 

“The Freeport remains committed to ensuring operational continuity while adapting to the requirements of its customers in these challenging geopolitical situations, it said.