French-owned ship makes first Western transit of Strait of Hormuz since Iran conflict began

A French-owned container ship has sailed through the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first passage by a major Western vessel since the outbreak of war involving Iran and the U.S.-Israeli coalition.

The Malta-flagged Kribi, operated by French shipping giant CMA CGM, crossed the strategic waterway on 2 April, according to vessel-tracking platform Marine Traffic.

The ship is now reported to be sailing south along the coast of Oman, though it remains unclear how it secured safe passage through the strait. CMA CGM has declined to comment.

Shipping analysts at Kpler confirmed that the Kribi is the first vessel owned by a Western European company to transit the waterway since hostilities began on 28 February. While Iran has stated that “non-hostile vessels” may navigate the strait, ongoing attacks on some ships have disrupted normal maritime traffic.

Data from London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) indicated that the vessel changed its destination to “Owner France” shortly before entering Iranian territorial waters, signalling its nationality to authorities. The ship was initially en route to Pointe-Noire in the Republic of the Congo.

Since 1 March, only around 150 vessels - mostly linked to Iran or countries including China, India, and Pakistan - have made the crossing, according to Lloyd’s List Intelligence. Beijing expressed gratitude earlier this week after three of its ships, including two container vessels from state-owned Cosco, successfully navigated the strait.

Tracking data shows the Kribi hugged the Omani coast, on the side opposite Iran. Details of its cargo have not been disclosed. A Japanese liquefied natural gas carrier also emerged safely from the strait, with shipping company MOL confirming the crew and vessel were unharmed.

Maritime analysts noted that several ships passing through on Thursday stayed unusually close to the Omani shoreline, highlighting the ongoing risks in a waterway that channels roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas.

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When the conflict began in late February, shipping operations were largely suspended, leaving nearly 200 vessels stranded in surrounding waters.

The transit of the French-owned container ship signals a cautious resumption of commercial activity in one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, though tensions remain high.

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