Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council flags risks as Mideast war disrupts shipping

Saturday, 7 March 2026 00:40 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Chairman Trisherman Frink

The Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council (SLSC) has warned that escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are beginning to disrupt global shipping routes, raising concerns over potential impacts on Sri Lanka’s trade and supply chains.

In a statement issued yesterday, the council said some shipping lines have already begun adjusting schedules, suspending routes and imposing risk-related surcharges following the recent escalation involving the United States, Israel and Iran, developments that could lead to higher freight costs and delays for Sri Lankan exporters and importers.

As an island nation heavily dependent on maritime trade, Sri Lanka remains highly sensitive to developments affecting major international shipping routes and logistics networks. The council notes that the current situation has already begun to impact shipping lines services, with some carriers adjusting schedules, suspending certain routes, or applying additional risk-related surcharges.

Global liner shipping plays a critical role in facilitating international trade, and any disruption to key maritime corridors can have far-reaching consequences for exporters, importers, and supply chains worldwide.

Due to this situation, shipments that were already en route to their intended destinations have been rerouted and discharged at unintended ports by carriers, creating a severe burden on importers and exporters in terms of storage, re-routing, and re-shipping costs.

The council also noted the recent statement issued by the World Shipping Council, which emphasised the importance of strengthening maritime security, safeguarding trade gateways, and ensuring the resilience of global supply chains during periods of geopolitical uncertainty.

SLSC Chairman Trisherman Frink said: “Sri Lanka’s trade and logistics sector is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East and its potential implications for global shipping. As a trading nation that relies heavily on maritime connectivity, international shipping routes must remain safe, secure, and open for global commerce. Any prolonged disruption to major maritime corridors could lead to increased freight costs, transit delays, and operational challenges for Sri Lankan exporters and importers.

“In times of geopolitical uncertainty, cooperation between Governments, shipping lines, port authorities, and the private sector becomes even more critical to ensure the continued flow of international trade.”

The council encourages all stakeholders in Sri Lanka’s logistics and export sectors to remain vigilant and work closely with shipping partners to mitigate potential risks to supply chains.

The Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council will continue to engage with international industry organizations, shipping lines, and government authorities to monitor developments and support Sri Lanka’s trade community during this challenging period.