The carrier said the deal, which could be worth as much as $1 billion, aligns with its long-term growth strategy.
Ports closest to the Persian Gulf are under mounting pressure with a second round of containers inbound as carriers start to offload cargo that was already on the water last week when Middle East bookings were canceled.
Carriers have defended rate increases for shipments out of Asia and elsewhere, citing the higher cost of operating when tonnage and equipment are tied up in the Middle East due to the war.
