Following recent geopolitical developments involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, Members trading and operating in the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman are facing an elevated risk environment. Increased regional tensions have led to heightened security advisories for commercial shipping, reports of incidental damage to merchant vessels, and disruption to normal maritime traffic. This page collates updates, publications and other material relevant to the current situation in the Middle East.
Members have sought clarification on how the Club cover may respond to incidents linked to the current situation, whether affecting transport operators, port operators, container operators, or port authorities. The frequently asked questions below provide a high‑level overview of how the various standard covers may respond in practice in the event of a war‑related incident.
This resource page will be updated with additional and relevant material as the situtation changes, we adivse that you check this page for updates regularly. Members with any questions relating to the current situation should contact their broker or their usual TT Club contact.
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Guidance note: Middle East developments - guidance for port and terminal Members
This guidance note is intended to assist Members in understanding the key risk considerations associated with the current situation and to provide practical advice on maintaining operational resilience, safeguarding personnel and assets, and managing contractual and liability exposures in an evolving environment.
Guidance note: Middle East developments - guidance for transport operator Members
We are aware that Members are receiving enquiries from customers regarding both potential operational impacts and contractual implications. This note provides guidance based on the current position and may be supplemented by more comprehensive guidance should circumstances require.
War circulars
Frequently asked questions
These FAQs provide a high‑level overview of how the various standard covers may respond in practice in the event of a war‑related incident.
Transport & Logistics Operator Cover (TLO)
Do liabilities arising from war-related incidents fall within the scope TLO cover?
Liability claims under the Cargo Liabilities (T1), Errors and Omissions (T2), Third‑Party Liabilities (T3), Fines and Duties (T4), and Costs (T5) clauses are not subject to war risks exclusion or the recent Notice of Cancellation. Cover under these sections will continue to respond in the usual manner, subject to the terms and conditions of the individual certificate of insurance and policy wordings.
The Club guidance note for transport operators Members can be reviewed here
What actions should be taken if Members become aware of a war‑related liability incident involving customer’s cargo?
- Notify your broker or TT Club claims contact as soon as practicable, providing all relevant details available at the time.
- Take reasonable steps to preserve evidence and mitigate loss where possible.
- Advise your customer to notify their cargo insurer.
- Provide the Club with contract copies, any correspondence, claims, or demands received from customers, authorities, or third parties.
- Continue to comply with contractual obligations, regulatory requirements, and any applicable security or operational advisories.
- Keep the Club informed as the situation develops and further information becomes available.
- Where practicable and appropriate, seek a statement from the relevant authority regarding the cause of the incident.
The Club claims notification handbook can be downloaded here
Port and Terminal Cover
Do liabilities arising from war-related incidents fall within the scope of Cargo Handling Facilities and Port Authorities covers?
Liability claims under the Customer Liabilities (C1/P1), Errors and Omissions (C2/P2), Third‑Party Liabilities (C3/P3), Fines and Duties (C4/P4), and Costs (C5/P5) clauses are not subject to war risks exclusion or the recent Notice of Cancellation. Cover under these sections will continue to respond in the usual manner, subject to the terms and conditions of the individual certificate of insurance and policy wordings.
The Club guidance note for port and terminal Members can be reviewed here
Should a war‑related liability incident occur at a Members port or terminal, please notify your broker or usual TT Club claims contact as soon as practicable and safe to do so.
How do TT Club Property (A6), Handling Equipment (A3), and Business Interruption (A7 & A8) covers respond to war‑related incidents?
Damage to a port’s insured infrastructure, buildings, plant, or cargo‑handling equipment arising from war‑related events will fall within the policy’s war‑risk exclusions. Similarly, insured Business Interruption (BI) losses resulting from physical damage, access restrictions, or berth blockages caused by war‑related events are also excluded under the war‑risk exclusions.
War risks relating to property, handling equipment, or business interruption may be covered under a separate class of insurance that Members’ brokers may already have arranged. Members are therefore advised to speak with their broker to understand the scope of any such cover.
Carrying Equipment Cover*
What is the effect of the recent Notice of Cancellation of war risks on Carrying Equipment Cover for insured containers onboard vessels transiting the Persian/Arabian Gulf and adjacent waters?
The effect of the recent Notice of Cancellation, issued by the Club’s reinsurers and subsequently notified by the Club to its Members, is that war‑risk‑related claims in respect of insured containers arising within the specified geographical limits are excluded from cover. The Club may consider reinstatement of this cover for an additional premium.
The Notice of Cancellation takes effect at 00:00 hrs GMT (Midnight) on Thursday 12th March 2026. The Notice was communicated to all Club Members on Wednesday 4th March.
Members can access the Notice of Cancellation here
We advise Members to speak to their broker or usual TT Club contact if further clarification is needed in relation to the recent Notice of Cancellation.
*This cover is also known as Container Risks or Ship Operators cover.
How does the Carrying Equipment Cover respond to war risks on land affecting insured containers?
Standard marine war risk cover applies to insured containers while waterborne or aboard a vessel. War Risk on Land are generally excluded from cover in the regions listed here in following link.
The Club remain available to respond to Members specific enquiries arising from the current situation.