A container vessel linked to French shipping group CMA CGM has passed through the Strait of Hormuz, marking a rare transit by a major European operator since regional tensions sharply reduced commercial traffic.
The ship, Kribi, sailing under a Maltese flag, exited the Gulf on Thursday after moving through the narrow waterway, according to maritime tracking data reviewed by AFP. Shipping activity in the area has remained limited since early March, when attacks on vessels near the strait led many operators to suspend or reroute journeys.
Route approved by Iran
Navigation data indicates the vessel followed a recently established corridor through Iranian waters. The route, described in shipping circles as a controlled passage, runs near Larak Island along Iran’s southern coast.
Analysts say only a handful of ships have used the corridor so far, with some operators reportedly paying for safe passage. The majority of vessels that have continued to cross the strait in recent weeks have been linked to regional trade, particularly involving Iran and nearby countries.
The Kribi was later recorded off Muscat, still signalling its French ownership through its onboard tracking system.
Traffic remains low in strategic waterway
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime routes, handling roughly a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments in normal conditions. Since the escalation of conflict in the region, traffic has dropped sharply, with many vessels avoiding the area altogether.
Some ships have sought to reduce their exposure by signalling neutral affiliations. Analysts note that vessels have recently displayed links to China while operating in the Gulf, a move seen as an attempt to avoid being targeted.
Earlier this week, Beijing confirmed that several Chinese vessels had passed through the strait without incident, including container ships operated by the state-owned Cosco group.
The passage of the Kribi suggests a cautious return of commercial movement, though risks in the region remain high and shipping patterns continue to adjust to the evolving security situation.
Source: CNA