Vero Marine issues a cargo war and strikes cover cancellation notice for the Middle East

Vero Insurance issued notices on Monday 16 March 2026 under cargo open covers’ cancellation clauses to cancel Cargo War and Strikes Risks cover:

• for existing business by giving 7 days' notice. Until that time, cargo that has ‘attached’ remains covered for war and strikes covers.
• for new business, this withdrawal of war and strikes covers is immediate.

When war and strikes cover is restored by Vero Insurance, we will inform your broker by email.

What is Cargo War and Strikes cover?

• War and Strikes cover are separate covers that sit alongside cargo cover. War and Strikes cover insures the cargo for physical loss or damage, but does not cover delays or the costs of diversions.
• Standard Institute War cover under our cargo policies only applies while the cargo is afloat on a ship or loaded in an aircraft. The war cover does not apply while the cargo is on land, except where it remains on board a stationary aircraft.
• A formal declaration of war is not required for a situation to be considered a state of war under these clauses.
• Loss or damage caused by riots or acts of terrorism is covered under the Institute Strikes Clauses. The terrorism exposure is the primary reason we are also withdrawing strikes cover.
• Under our standard policy, terrorism cover applies only while the cargo is in the ordinary course of transit. This means there is no terrorism cover while the cargo is in storage, or otherwise under the control of the seller or buyer before reaching its final destination.

What does this mean for cargo?

• This withdrawal applies only to war and associated risks, including war, civil war, rebellion, hostile acts, mines, missiles, drones, and loss or damage caused by strikers, rioters, or acts of terrorism. All-risks/marine perils cover remains in place, subject to standard policy terms.
• Cargo carried on container vessels or aircraft is not affected unless it enters the designated areas. For example, cargo travelling to or from Europe that is rerouted outside these areas (such as voyages around the Cape of Good Hope) remains insured under normal cargo cover, including war and strikes cover.

Withdrawal of War and Strikes Cover

War and Strikes cover is withdrawn while cargo is:

• On land, at sea, or in the airspace above the countries and territorial waters of Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia (Gulf coast), Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen and Djibouti, and
• On land, at sea, or in the airspace above the countries and territorial waters of Iraq, Israel, Lebanon and Syria, and
• Within the maritime area bounded by the following coordinates:
  1. To the northwest, by the Red Sea, south of 18°N
  2. To the northeast, from the Pakistan coastline at 25°19’15”N, 65°E
  3. To the east, by a line to high seas point 10°48’N, 65°E, then to 10°48’N, 60°15’E, then to 6°45’S, 48°45’E
  4. To the southwest, from the Somalia border at 1°40’S, 41°34’E to high seas point 6°45’S, 48°45’E

War and Strikes cover may be reinstated by insurers at a future date. If reinstated, cover may remain restricted to certain geographic areas and may be subject to different premium rates and/or policy terms.

Exporters should advise their consignees of this change. For cargo affected by this notice, insurance certificates may include the following notation:

War and Strikes Cover cancelled on certain lands, seas and airspace of the Middle East – refer to insurer.

If you have any queries, please contact your broker.