The global supply chain, already battered by Red Sea diversions, just faced its next big test: the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. With tensions escalating and one of the world's most critical energy arteries effectively shut, ocean carriers have been scrambling.
But while some major players like COSCO have paused bookings to the region , French shipping giant CMA CGM has decided to fight back-not with ships, but with trucks and trains .
In a bold move announced this week, CMA CGM is activating emergency multimodal bypass routes to circumvent the blocked strait and keep cargo flowing to and from the Gulf . For shippers with goods stuck in the crossfire, this is a lifeline.
The New Trade Routes: How It Works
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow passage, and with Iran restricting access, getting a vessel into ports like Jebel Ali (Dubai) or Dammam (Saudi Arabia) has become nearly impossible. CMA CGM's solution? Drop the cargo off outside the danger zone and finish the journey by land .
Here is how they are re-routing the supply chain:
The UAE Corridor: Cargo destined for Gulf hubs is being discharged at the ports of Khor Fakkan, Fujairah (UAE), and Sohar (Oman) -all located south of the Strait . From there, it's not sailing into the Gulf; it's riding in on trucks via new "land corridors" to reach Jebel Ali, Sharjah, and even Qatar or Bahrain .
The Saudi Bypass: Vessels are also heading to Jeddah on the Red Sea coast. From there, CMA CGM is organizing massive road convoys across Saudi Arabia to reach Dammam and the wider Gulf states, completely bypassing the need to enter the Hormuz chokepoint .
From Chaos Comes Opportunity (For Those Who Are Flexible)
This situation highlights a crucial reality in logistics today: ocean freight is no longer just about ships. When the water gets blocked, the supply chain has to grow legs.
This is exactly where the right freight forwarder earns their keep. For importers and exporters watching their containers sit idle, the difference between a total halt and a delayed delivery often comes down to one thing: multimodal expertise.
At Xiamen AE Global, we have been navigating these complexities since 2018. While the headlines scream "crisis," we see a routing puzzle. Because of our deep network of over 100 overseas agents and our experience in coordinating sea, rail, and road freight, we are uniquely positioned to help clients pivot.
Whether it's shifting cargo to these new CMA CGM land bridges, finding space on alternative carriers serving the unaffected ports of Fujairah or Jeddah, or even exploring DDP and DAP trucking options from Red Sea ports inland, our job is to find the path that keeps your inventory moving .
What This Means for Your Shipments
If you currently have goods bound for the Middle East, here is the bottom line:
Expect Rerouting: Don't be surprised if your Bill of Lading changes. Cargo may land at a "dry port" and complete its journey via truck.
Costs May Shift: Multimodal solutions involve more handling. Ensure you are working with a partner who offers transparent pricing on these complex routes.
Speed Matters: The ports outside the Strait (Fujairah, Sohar, Jeddah) are now the new gateways. Securing space on the feeder vessels or trucks leaving these ports requires quick action.
The AE Global Advantage
In times like these, "good service quality" isn't just a slogan-it's a survival mechanism. While the industry digests these changes, our team is already reaching out to partners to secure capacity on these new land bridges.
We specialize in the kind of flexible shipping solutions that the current market demands. Whether it's global sea freight with a last-mile trucking twist, or urgent air cargo delivery to bypass ocean delays entirely, we are here to provide clarity amid the chaos [citation:website].
Is your current logistics provider talking about the problem, or are they solving it?
If you have shipments stuck in transit or ready to move, contact Xiamen AE Global today. Let's figure out the smartest way to get your goods home-even if that means taking the scenic route.