The recent tensions in the Middle East have disrupted port logistics in the Gulf region. A drone attack near the Port of Fujairah—a major energy port on the east coast of the United Arab Emirates—has forced the suspension of some port operations.

As one of the few UAE ports outside the Strait of Hormuz that remain open for normal bookings amid the current tensions, any disruption to operations at the Port of Fujairah could not only affect regional energy logistics and marine fuel supplies, but also force liner companies to reassess risks and adjust booking policies, thereby delivering a fresh blow to an already strained Middle East shipping chain.

According to multiple media reports, the Port of Fujairah, located at the outlet of the Strait of Hormuz, was hit by a drone attack and caught fire on Saturday morning.

This has forced the partial suspension of operations at this key energy hub and major feeder and alternative transshipment port in the Gulf region.

Following the incident, part of the port’s oil loading operations was suspended on the same morning. Although a fire broke out at the oil storage facilities, no casualties have been reported so far.

Located outside the Strait of Hormuz, Fujairah is a critical hub for energy exports in the Gulf. It is also one of the world’s largest bunker fuel supply ports, ranking among the top three globally alongside Singapore and Rotterdam, with a storage capacity of over 70 million barrels. A large number of oil tankers and container ships refuel here before proceeding on routes to Asia, Europe, and Africa.

During periods of heightened tensions in the Middle East, the Port of Fujairah is often regarded as an alternative port. Thanks to its geographic location opening directly onto the Indian Ocean, vessels do not need to enter the Strait of Hormuz. Should operations at ports within the Persian Gulf be restricted, some shipping lines will choose to discharge cargo at Fujairah, then arrange overland transshipment to ports such as Dubai or Jebel Ali.

The Port of Fujairah’s critical role as a bunkering hub could be severely impacted. A large number of oceangoing container vessels and oil tankers worldwide rely on this port for fuel supply. If the port’s bunkering system or oil storage facilities are affected for an extended period, vessels will have to reroute to more distant ports for refueling,resulting in higher voyage costs and longer sailing times.

The transshipment function of the Port of Fujairah may also be affected. For vessels unable to enter the Persian Gulf due to safety concerns, Fujairah has served as a critical cargo transshipment hub. Although UAE emergency authorities brought the fire under control within three hours, terminal operators have informed freight forwarders that berthing schedules are expected to be rescheduled, and some non‑urgent containers may face delayed loading.