IFCBAA Update 4 — Contractual & Insurance Considerations
IFCBAA Update 4 — Contractual & Insurance ConsiderationsThe International Forwarders and Customs Brokers Association of Australia (IFCBAA) has issued National Newsflash NNF 2026/117, incorporating FIATA guidance specifically addressing contractual and insurance risks arising from the Middle East conflict. This update is essential reading for all importers and exporters.
FIATA Key Takeaways for Cargo Owners• Transport routes may change rapidly. Carriers may suspend services, reroute vessels, or discharge cargo at alternative ports in response to security risks. Importers and exporters should maintain flexibility in delivery planning. • Additional costs are likely. Carriers may impose war-risk surcharges, deviation costs, and operational charges. These costs should be reviewed against applicable contractual terms between you and your freight forwarder. • Carrier liability for delay is often limited. Standard carrier terms of carriage generally exclude liability for delays arising from operational disruptions or force majeure circumstances. Do not assume carriers are liable for delay-related losses. • Cargo may be discharged at alternative ports. In such cases, cargo interests may need to arrange and fund onward transport under the relevant transport contract. The cost and risk sit with the cargo owner, not the carrier. • Insurance coverage may be limited. Standard cargo insurance frequently excludes war risks unless specific war-risk clauses are included. Delay is typically not covered under standard policies. Review your policy now — before a claim arises. • Clear contractual arrangements are essential. Forwarders should review their own documentation, including standard trading conditions and house bills of lading, to ensure additional operational costs and risks are appropriately managed. • Proactive communication with customers is critical. Forwarders and carriers should inform customers promptly of operational developments, potential delays, route changes, and additional costs affecting shipments.
Insurance — Check Your Cover NowStandard cargo insurance policies may not automatically cover war risks. With the Middle East conflict escalating and carrier liability for delay widely excluded under force majeure provisions, cargo owners need to understand their exposure before a problem occurs — not after.
Contact your cargo insurer or insurance broker now to verify your policy position. DDWL can assist you in identifying the right questions to ask. As always, IFCBAA notes this information does not constitute professional insurance or legal advice — independent professional advice is recommended for your specific circumstances.
Maersk Operational Update 6 — Expanded Booking SuspensionsMaersk issued Operational Update 6 on 6 March 2026, significantly expanding cargo booking suspensions and introducing new Emergency Freight rates. This is the most comprehensive carrier restriction statement issued to date.
Booking Suspensions by Cargo Type
Maersk Emergency Freight Rate (EFR)For cargo loading from or destined to Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia (Dammam & Jubail), Bahrain, Qatar, UAE and Oman (except Salalah), Maersk has introduced an Emergency Freight Rate to fund alternative routing and storage solutions:
The EFR includes 14 days of storage in transit. Beyond 14 days, storage fees of USD 25/TEU/day apply (plus reefer monitoring and plug-in fees where applicable), invoiced fortnightly.
Options for Cargo Already En Route
Current Carrier Status — All Modes
Fuel Surcharges — Effective 16 March 2026The Middle East conflict has driven Brent crude oil past USD 114 per barrel — the highest level since 2022. Australian diesel has surged 50–60 cents per litre in just eight days. With Australia importing over 90% of its refined fuel and holding only 34 days of diesel reserves, global oil price shocks are flowing directly into domestic transport costs.
All Quotes Subject to Change — Confirmed at Time of Booking
What You Should Do Now• Review your cargo insurance. Confirm war risk cover is in place. Standard policies may not cover war risks, rerouting costs or delay. Act now — before a shipment is at sea. • Check for impacted cargo (Maersk deadline: 21 March). If you have bookings to/from the affected Maersk ports, contact DDWL immediately to discuss your options before the 21 March deadline. • Request fresh quotes before booking. Rates quoted before this week may no longer be valid. Fuel and war risk components have materially changed — get a current rate confirmed at the time of booking. • Book now if the cargo is ready. Rates are confirmed at the time of booking. Waiting carries a cost risk in this environment. • Allow extra transit time. Cape of Good Hope rerouting adds 10–14 days to Europe/Middle East voyages. Build this into your supply chain and delivery planning. • Call DDWL for advice specific to your trade lane. We're monitoring this situation daily and can advise on the most cost-effective and operationally viable routing for your cargo. Disclaimer: This article is based on carrier advisories, IFCBAA NNF 2026/117, FIATA guidance, and publicly available data current as of 10 March 2026. The Middle East situation is highly dynamic — all information is subject to change without notice. This article does not constitute professional insurance, legal or financial advice. DDWL accepts no liability for decisions made based on this information. All freight quotes provided by DDWL are subject to change and confirmed at the time of booking only. |