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French container ship navigates Strait of Hormuz amid conflict
For the first time since the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran disrupted maritime traffic, a vessel owned by French logistics giant CMA CGM has traversed the critical Strait of Hormuz, according to reports confirmed on Friday.
First Western European ship since conflict began
The Malta-flagged container ship, whose cargo remains undisclosed, successfully passed through the strait, BFM TV-a media outlet owned by CMA CGM-reported. The company declined to provide further details.
Shipping analytics firm Kpler verified the crossing, marking it as the first by a major Western European-owned vessel since hostilities escalated in late February. While Iran has stated that "non-hostile" ships may use the waterway, ongoing attacks have severely restricted normal shipping operations.
Unusual routes and heightened risks
Tracking data revealed the French vessel sailed close to Oman's coastline, keeping a significant distance from Iranian waters. On the same day, a Japanese liquefied natural gas carrier also exited the strait without incident, its operator, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), confirmed.
"The safety of the vessel and all crew members has been confirmed. We will continue to prioritize the security of our crew, cargo, and vessels as operations proceed," MOL stated.
Maritime intelligence service Lloyd's List noted that several ships transiting the strait on Thursday adhered to "unusually tight" routes along Oman's coast, a tactic likely aimed at minimizing exposure to potential threats.
U.S. stance and global economic impact
U.S. President Donald Trump suggested the U.S. could reopen the strait but criticized allies for insufficient support. In a post on Truth Social, he wrote, "With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE. IT WOULD BE A 'GUSHER' FOR THE WORLD???"
The strait, through which roughly 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas flows, has seen traffic plummet by approximately 95% since the conflict's onset. Around 200 vessels remain stranded in nearby waters, Lloyd's List reported. The reduced flow has contributed to surging global oil prices, stoking fears of heightened inflation and rising fuel costs.
Limited but steady traffic persists
Despite the sharp decline, the strait has not been entirely closed. Data analyzed by BBC Verify in late March indicated that about 100 vessels had passed through since the conflict began, averaging five to six ships daily. Approximately one-third of these were linked to Iran, while others were associated with nations such as Pakistan and India.
