Container lines reroute from Iran war to India and Lanka

(AGBIJ) Container shipping lines are rerouting cargo away from Gulf ports as far away as India and Sri Lanka as Iran steps up attacks on commercial vessels beyond the Strait of Hormuz.

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The disruption is creating a logistics headache as carriers search for alternative gateways into Gulf countries.

More than 10 per cent of the global liner shipping fleet is now "directly affected" by the war, according to maritime analyst Alphaliner.

Indian ports are playing an increasing role in diversion strategies, with hubs such as Mundra in Gujarat and Nhava Sheva on India's west coast being used to handle cargo, said Mael Pape-Léostic, a shipping analyst at Alphaliner.

Salalah in Oman had been emerging as a major transhipment point until it was closed after being struck by several drones on March 11.

"Salalah and Khor Fakkan had become the primary direct alternatives for accessing the region, particularly for the rapid discharge of time-sensitive cargo such as perishables," Pape-Léostic said.

"We are now keeping a close eye on Salalah as there will be pressure on it to reopen soon. Indian hubs are also being utilised, notably Mundra, Nhava Sheva and Colombo in Sri Lanka."