Gulf Congestion Rises, Fujairah Takes 28%

Fujairah records the largest concentration of waiting bulk vessels. More than six months into the Middle East shipping crisis, vessel waiting remains elevated across the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. As of 28 October, 265 dry bulk vessels were recorded waiting across 29 selected ports, led by Fujairah with 74 vessels (28%) and Sohar with 50. Together, the two ports account for 47% of the regional waiting fleet. Supramax represents the largest segment, with 107 vessels (40%), followed by Panamax (56) and Handysize (53). Prolonged waiting, particularly among Supramax vessels, can reduce prompt tonnage availability, although the freight impact depends on waiting duration and subsequent vessel employment.

Regional waiting is running 75% above last year. The regional waiting series averaged 268 vessels in 1–27 October, against 154 in the same period of 2025 and 139 in 2024. The count dipped to 170 in mid-July, rebuilt through August to a peak of 291 on 15 September, and stood at 254 on 27 October.

Supramax dominates Fujairah’s waiting fleet. Of the 74 vessels recorded waiting on 28 October, 37 were Supramaxes, representing 50% of the port’s total compared with 40% across the wider 29-port region. Fujairah alone accounts for nearly 35% of all waiting Supramaxes in the regional sample, while Panamax and Handysize follow with 12 vessels each.

Stop calls dominate vessel activity. Of the 74 waiting vessels, 48 (65%) are classified as stop calls, compared with 22 for discharge and just four for loading. This contrasts with the wider regional pattern, where discharge accounts for 109 vessels and stops for 102. Fujairah consequently represents almost half of all regional waiting stop calls, suggesting that its vessel accumulation extends beyond conventional loading and discharge activity.

This story was originally published by Hellenic Shipping News. Read the full story at Hellenic Shipping News →