French-owned ship passes through Strait of Hormuz

Over a month following the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, which blocked the critical shipping lane, a French vessel recently navigated the Strait of Hormuz. The Malta-flagged container ship, operated by CMA CGM, crossed the waterway, as confirmed by BFM TV, the company’s affiliated media outlet. CMA CGM did not provide a statement. This marks the first time a major Western European firm’s ship has traversed the strait since the hostilities began, according to shipping analysts at Kpler.

Strait remains partially operational

While Iran allowed “non-hostile vessels” to use the channel, the ongoing conflict led to a halt in regular shipping. Tracking data revealed the French ship approached Oman’s coast, on the opposite side from Iran, during its passage. Its cargo remains unspecified. Meanwhile, a Japanese vessel carrying natural gas also exited the strait, as reported by MOL, the nation’s leading shipping company.

“The safety of the vessel and all crew members have been confirmed,” MOL stated. “We will continue to prioritize crew, cargo, and vessel safety as operations proceed.”

Global economic implications

The strait, a key route for roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas, saw shipping suspended after the conflict erupted in late February. Lloyd’s List noted about 200 ships were stranded in surrounding waters. The sharp decline in traffic through the strait has driven global oil prices to unprecedented highs, fueling concerns over rising inflation worldwide.

Despite the 95% drop in activity, some vessels have still managed to pass through. By late March, BBC Verify reported approximately 100 ships had crossed the narrow waterway, averaging five to six per day. Of these, around a third were linked to Iran, while others connected to nations like Pakistan and India, Verify confirmed.

“With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE,” Trump tweeted on Truth Social. “IT WOULD BE A “GUSHER” FOR THE WORLD???”

Analysts suggest the situation may ease if tensions de-escalate, though the strait remains a focal point for global energy supply chains.