A French container ship and a Japanese-owned tanker have recently crossed the Strait of Hormuz, marking what seems to be the first instances of such transits since the ongoing conflict in Iran has disrupted this vital waterway.
The CMA CGM Kribi container ship exited the strait on Friday, as confirmed by ship tracking data and two sources who are familiar with the situation. This is the first vessel associated with Western Europe known to have made the crossing since the conflict began over a month ago. Additionally, Japan’s Mitsui OSK Lines verified on Friday that a liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker it partly owns also made the crossing, another notable first.
Ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has nearly stopped following attacks by the US and Israel on Iran, leaving few ships able to pass through. Most of these vessels have been from countries allied with Tehran, with reports indicating an emerging system where Iran pre-approves transit for a route close to its coast.
The entry of the French and Japanese ships suggests a possible change in the situation, though it’s unclear if this is the result of government actions or informal negotiations by companies and intermediaries. Earlier this week, both France and Japan called for a ceasefire, with French President Emmanuel Macron emphasizing the need to reopen the Strait, although he noted that this can only occur after the bombing ceases.
Under the new Iranian transit system taking shape in recent weeks, some vessels have been required to pay transit fees to Tehran. Mitsui OSK’s spokesman did not comment on whether the Sohar LNG tanker had to pay a fee, and CMA CGM SA, the owner of the French ship, also chose not to provide a comment.
France’s finance ministry did not respond to a request for comment, and the French foreign ministry also declined to comment.
CMA CGM is the third-largest container shipping line globally and is mainly owned by the billionaire Saadé family. The founder of the company immigrated to France from war-torn Lebanon and started the business in Marseille in 1978.
Previously, most vessels crossing the strait have been friendly to Iran, with certain countries like Pakistan negotiating direct deals for safe passage. These ships typically take routes close to the Iranian coast. However, recently, a new pathway along the Omani coastline has emerged, which the LNG ship, along with two oil supertankers, has utilized.
Iran is also taking measures to secure its control over the strait long-term, looking to implement a system of tolls for this crucial waterway for the global oil and gas supply. This development is concerning for Gulf Arab states that depend on this route for their exports and would create additional challenges for consumers. Iran has signaled that it could establish a new system in collaboration with Oman, although Muscat has not yet clarified its stance.
Tracking ships entering and exiting Hormuz is complex and has been hindered by heavy signal jamming and spoofing in the region.
According to tracking data, the CMA CGM Kribi, flagged in Malta, sailed from waters near Dubai towards Iran on Thursday afternoon. It followed a route close to the Iranian coast, moving through a channel between the Qeshm and Larak islands, and openly broadcasting its journey. By Friday, it indicated it was near Muscat.
The CMA CGM Kribi can carry about 5,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), and current draft readings suggest it is heavily loaded with cargo. The company has reported that 14 of its vessels have been stranded in the Persian Gulf and unable to navigate through the strait.
The Sohar LNG tanker, which appears to be unloaded, is now in waters close to Muscat after changing its destination to the Qalhat LNG export terminal in Oman, as per the data. The vessel indicates it is of Omani origin and has been drifting in the Persian Gulf for the past month.