Shipping lines invoke 19th-century rule to dock at ‘nearest’ ports
Luojiashan tanker sits anchored in Muscat, as Iran vows to close the Strait of Hormuz, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Muscat, Oman, March 7, 2026.
Global shipping majors MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM and Hapag-Lloyd are now invoking the Liberties Clause, a 19th-century rule, to reroute cargo and discharge containers at ports of their choosing, rather than the contracted destinations, passing on the cost to the shippers.
The move results from the disruption caused by the war between the US-Israel and Iran war across the Gulf trade lanes, where security risks and operational constraints are preventing vessels from completing their voyages.
