Maersk’s Sajaa empty-container return instructions and drop-off fees

Maersk’s Middle East Operational Update 53, dated 6 November 2026, requires empty containers for shipments cleared at SAJAA Dry Port to be returned there. The notice lists the depot’s drop-off fees effective from that date.

What are the announced Sajaa charges?

The effective date for this table entry is 6 November 2026. These are drop-off charges; they are not total freight rates, daily detention charges or a demurrage waiver.

Why recheck the empty-return location?

The same notice reports congestion at Khor Fakkan and transfers to ICD Sajja. For containers already discharged with a delivery order, return to the D/O location is possible if that facility accepts the empty at gate-in; otherwise Maersk issues revised instructions. Check each shipment separately.

Suggested checks for UAE–Iran operations teams

Farvahar editorial guidance: confirm the return location and charge before dispatching a truck. For cargo with onward transport or cargo-transfer operations in the UAE, this helps prevent extra trips and invoice disputes.

• Match the latest D/O and written empty-return instruction to the container number.
• Confirm depot acceptance, gate appointment and who pays the drop-off charge.
• Retain the empty handover receipt or EIR and track when container responsibility ends.
• Show drop-off, detention, storage and inland transport as separate quotation items.

These instructions apply to Maersk’s stated scope, not every shipping line or all Iran-bound shipments.

Source and image credit

Official source: Maersk, Middle East Operational Update 53, 6 November 2026; empty-container returns and drop-off table. Operational recommendations are Farvahar editorial guidance.

Real archive aerial photograph of Jebel Ali Port, 18 October 2007; Imre Solt / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. The photograph shows a related UAE port, not Sajaa or today’s conditions; the theme may crop the image.