Is the Strait of Hormuz Open? Israel-Iran Shipping Impact Explained

This article is being updated as new developments emerge. The latest changes are summarised in the update log below.

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As of 11 July 2026, the Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed to commercial shipping. A ceasefire reached in mid-June briefly reopened the strait, but renewed US-Iran strikes from 6 July onward collapsed that window. Ocean carriers continue routing Gulf-linked and Asia-Europe services via the Cape of Good Hope, and Gulf air hubs are operating below normal capacity. For Australia and New Zealand importers, expect longer transit times, higher freight and insurance costs, and weaker schedule reliability on any service connected to Middle East networks.

Key updates at a glance

This is a condensed milestone log. Detailed carrier-by-carrier advisories from March–May are archived and available on request.

Why the Strait of Hormuz matters for Australia and New Zealand

The strait carries around 20% of the world’s oil and LNG and sits at the centre of Gulf shipping networks feeding into Asia–Europe and Asia–Oceania trade lanes. Australian and New Zealand supply chains rarely move cargo directly through the Gulf, but they share vessels, transhipment hubs and air networks with routes that do. Disruption there reduces global schedule reliability even for cargo that never touches the Middle East.

How is ocean freight affected?

Major carriers — Maersk, MSC, Hapag-Lloyd, CMA CGM, ONE, COSCO and OOCL — have suspended or heavily restricted Gulf bookings since the conflict began and continue to route Asia–Europe services via the Cape of Good Hope. Expect longer transit times, container rollovers, and less predictable discharge ports for any cargo with Gulf exposure.

How is air freight affected?

Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha remain key connectors for AU/NZ air cargo. Gulf carriers (EK, EY, QR, FZ, G9) are operating reduced and revised schedules. Even where flights are running, uplift for time-sensitive freight is harder to secure and schedule reliability is weaker than normal.

Is my cargo insurance still valid for Gulf-linked shipments?

War-related loss, damage and delay are often excluded or limited under standard transport terms, and war-risk insurance conditions can change quickly as the conflict escalates. If you have cargo moving through or near the region, confirm your position directly with your insurer or broker — don’t assume standard cover applies.

Has this affected Australian imports directly?

Yes. On 4 March 2026, Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) issued guidance after Middle East air cargo disruption forced Australian chilled meat consignments to be returned, including some diverted mid-flight. These are handled as distressed consignments under an interim inspection process. No further DAFF update specific to this disruption has been issued since.

What should importers and exporters do now?

• Reconfirm vessel flag, ownership and routing exposure for any Gulf-linked booking before finalising it.
• Check your cargo insurance position directly with your insurer or broker, especially for cargo in transit or likely to be rerouted.
• Build extra buffer into lead times for freight connected to Gulf hubs or transhipment points, even if not moving through the Middle East directly.
• Treat any reopening announcement as a diplomatic signal, not an operational change, until your carrier confirms it.

FAQ

Is the Strait of Hormuz open right now?

No. As of 11 July 2026 it is effectively closed to commercial shipping, with only escorted convoys moving at a fraction of normal volumes.

How long will the disruption last?

Unclear. A June ceasefire reopened the strait for roughly two weeks before renewed fighting closed it again in July. Carriers are treating recovery as uneven and are not committing to fixed timelines.

Will this affect delivery times to Australia and New Zealand?

Yes, indirectly. Even cargo not moving through the Gulf can be affected by rerouted vessels, congested transhipment hubs and reduced air cargo capacity through Middle East hubs.

Are ocean carriers still accepting Gulf bookings?

Most major lines continue to suspend or tightly restrict Gulf bookings and are routing around the Cape of Good Hope. Confirm current status directly with your carrier before booking.

Strategic outlook

Ceasefires reached in April and June both broke down within weeks, and the most recent closure (from 6–7 July) shows the strait remains an active conflict zone rather than a resolved disruption. Importers should plan for continued volatility rather than a fixed recovery date, and prioritise flexibility over prediction — reviewing exposed routings, confirming insurance positions, and staying close to carrier advisories as conditions change.

At KLN Oceania, we're monitoring developments with our global network and working with customers on realistic contingency routing. If you'd like to review your exposure or discuss options for cargo connected to affected corridors, get in touch with our team.