Chinese shipping and logistics conglomerate COSCO ​Shipping’s container liner unit ‌said on Wednesday it had suspended all new bookings ​for routes to ​and from ports in the ⁠Middle East region, ​including those in the ​United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

The move was due to escalating ​conflict in the region ​and traffic restrictions in the Strait ‌of ⁠Hormuz, COSCO Shipping Lines said in a statement, opens new tab.

Bookings for routes to and from ​Bahrain, Iraq ​and ⁠Kuwait have also been suspended, it ​added.

The company said ​it ⁠was evaluating follow-up disposal plans, including possible alternative ⁠unloading ​ports, for goods ​currently on board.

Source:  Reuters