Dubai, UAE – Web Desk: The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered significant shifts in global trade routes, with companies increasingly turning to land-based alternatives to maintain the flow of goods across the Gulf region.
According to reports by AFP, the disruption of maritime traffic has forced shipping companies to adopt new logistics strategies, including transporting food and manufactured goods via trucks instead of traditional sea routes.
Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah port is rapidly emerging as a key regional hub, with major global shipping companies rerouting vessels through the Suez Canal to reach the Red Sea port. From there, goods are transported overland through desert highways to destinations such as Sharjah, Bahrain, and Kuwait, where direct maritime access has been disrupted for nearly two months.
However, experts warn that Jeddah port is not fully equipped to handle the sudden surge in trade volume, leading to congestion and logistical delays.
The report also highlights the growing use of alternative ports outside the Strait of Hormuz, including Oman’s Sohar port and the UAE’s Khor Fakkan and Fujairah ports, as shipping firms seek to bypass the affected waterway.
Meanwhile, Jordan’s Aqaba port has become a critical gateway for transporting goods into Iraq, particularly to Baghdad and Basra, while overland routes via Turkey are also being utilized to supply northern Iraq.
Analysts say the prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has dealt a major blow to global trade and underscores the urgent need to develop resilient supply chains to mitigate future risks.
