Kuwaiti Port Calls Drop 86% and UAE's 69% Due to Hormuz Crisis

Reports revealed a sharp decline in ship port calls to Gulf ports amid the ongoing Strait of Hormuz crisis, as Kuwaiti port calls dropped by 86%, while UAE port calls fell by 69% compared to pre-crisis levels.

These figures reflect the magnitude of operational losses incurred by Gulf ports due to the slowdown in import and export activity, impacting supply chains for food products and consumer goods passing through these ports.

Affected goods vary to include foodstuffs, construction materials, and industrial equipment, burdening consumers and businesses amid rising storage and marine insurance costs.

These declines confront Gulf economies with challenges threatening non-oil import and export sectors. Logistics experts warn that the continuation of the crisis could lead to shortages of some essential commodities in Gulf markets in the coming weeks.

What do these terms mean?

Ship port calls: A metric that determines the number of times ships berth at a port within a specified time period, serving as a key indicator of the port's commercial activity level.

Marine insurance: An insurance policy covering ships and their cargoes against maritime hazards, with premiums rising sharply in conflict and crisis zones, thereby increasing global shipping costs.

Container ports: Ports specializing in handling large metal containers transporting various goods, serving as a vital indicator of non-oil trade volume.