CASE STUDY
Background & context
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most strategically significant maritime chokepoints, channeling a substantial share of global energy and cargo trade. In early 2026, a regional contingency scenario was activated, raising the prospect that GCC ports could face operational disruption in the event of a Strait closure. In such a scenario, the UAE's east coast ports — Fujairah and Khorfakkan — were identified as the critical alternative gateways to sustain regional trade flows.
Upon receiving notification of the contingency activation, our Operations team was required to act with immediate urgency, identifying, coordinating, and deploying a full-spectrum workforce to Khorfakkan Port to ensure the terminal could absorb the increased operational demand. .
Challenges
The deployment presented a series of compounding logistical challenges: the need to mobilise a large, cross-functional workforce at extremely short notice; the requirement to secure suitable accommodation and welfare arrangements simultaneously; and the need to do so while coordinating the temporary release of personnel from multiple active terminal operations across the UAE, without disrupting those terminals' day-to-day activities. The situation demanded not only internal operational agility, but also swift, trust-based coordination with key industry clients who were being asked to release manpower from their own live operations.
Our response
Upon receiving the emergency notification, our leadership team escalated the matter immediately across all terminals where we maintain an operational presence. The urgency and strategic significance of the request was communicated clearly to our terminal clients, who responded with decisive support, releasing our manpower on the same day the request was made. This level of inter-organizational cooperation was critical to the success of the deployment.
Within 48 hours of the initial notification, all 225 personnel had been mobilized and were on the ground at Khorfakkan.
The deployment covered the full spectrum of operational roles - Lashers, Foremen, Tally Clerks, RTG Operators, Supervisors, QHSE Officers, Truck Drivers & Forklift Operators - required to run a functioning terminal.
Outcomes & impact
- Trade continuity assured: The terminal was fully staffed and operationally ready, ensuring uninterrupted vessel servicing during a period of heightened regional risk.
- Partner coordination validated Multi-terminal client support was secured on the day of the request, demonstrating the strength of our industry relationships.
- Welfare & compliance maintained: Full accommodation and welfare provision was in place before operations commenced, upholding our QHSE standards under emergency conditions.
- Contingency capability proven : The deployment set a benchmark for emergency responsiveness, validating our contingency frameworks and workforce scalability.
Key takeaways
This deployment demonstrates the critical importance of pre-established inter-organizational relationships, robust contingency planning,
and a workforce that is both skilled and adaptable. The ability to mobilize at scale- rapidly, safely, and without disrupting existing operations - is a
competitive and strategic differentiator that this exercise has clearly validated.
Operations at Khorfakkan commenced on schedule, with vessels being served in coordination with the port authority. The mission stands as one of the most significant rapid-deployment achievements in our operational history.
Know More about our
