DP World launches war risk cover for Middle East cargo flows

DP World has launched an end-to-end cargo war risk insurance solution with a focus on protecting air cargo shipments moving through the Middle East as conflict-related disruptions continue to reshape global supply chains and insurance markets.

The programme provides continuous coverage for cargo moving by air, while also extending protection across ocean freight, port storage and inland transportation under a single policy. DP World said the offering is designed to close gaps left by traditional insurance structures, where coverage is often fragmented across different stages of transport and excludes several war-related risks.

The launch comes as airlines, freight forwarders and shippers operating through the Middle East continue to face operational and financial uncertainty linked to regional conflicts, airspace restrictions and security risks. Cargo owners have also been dealing with rising war risk premiums and limited insurance availability across affected corridors.

“This is about solving a real, immediate problem for global trade,” said Yuvraj Narayan, Group CEO, DP World. “Supply chains don’t stop at the port or the shoreline, and neither should insurance. For the first time, cargo owners can access a single policy that protects goods across the entire journey, even in high-risk environments, helping keep trade moving when it matters most.”

DP World said the solution covers physical loss or damage caused by war-related events, including conflict, civil unrest, seizure and derelict weapons, with all valid claims settled with zero deductible.

The programme is available to all companies trading in or through the Middle East and is aimed at maintaining cargo flows across corridors, including the Arabian Gulf, the Red Sea and connected inland routes.

For air cargo customers, the policy can cover shipments from the point of air transit through airport handling, storage and inland delivery. DP World said the flexibility allows shippers to adapt to route changes and operational disruptions without losing insurance continuity.

Alongside air cargo coverage, the programme also includes standalone options for ocean freight and land transportation. The policy additionally provides automatic port storage cover for up to 14 days.

DP World said the solution offers coverage limits of up to $400 million per shipment and up to $1 million per inland movement. The company added that its relationships across global insurance markets enabled it to secure pricing more competitive than standard war risk premiums.

The launch forms part of DP World’s wider push to position itself as an integrated supply chain partner combining logistics operations with financial and risk management services for customers operating in volatile trade environments.