Disruption at major maritime chokepoints is no longer an exceptional event.  Armed conflict, attacks on commercial vessels, sanctions, congestion and climate-related restrictions increasingly require businesses to choose between continuing through a higher-risk area, accepting a longer route or changing the mode of transport.

Each option carries legal consequences.  Continuing on the original route may affect insurance coverage and incur additional premiums.  Rerouting may increase freight and delay while introducing new ports, transshipment points and sanctions exposure. Moving cargo from sea to air may alter the applicable liability regime, contractual delivery terms and customs valuation.