Over five weeks after the U.S.-Israeli military engagement with Iran effectively blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, a French-owned container ship has become the first from a major Western European company to pass through this critical waterway.
The Malta-flagged vessel, operated by CMA CGM, completed the transit, as confirmed on Friday by the company’s affiliated broadcaster BFM TV. CMA CGM declined to elaborate.
Shipping tracker Kpler described the move as groundbreaking since the late February clashes began, when Iranian actions including mines and strikes on vessels halted most commercial traffic. Tehran has allowed non-hostile ships to proceed, but persistent threats have kept operators away. The CMA CGM ship hugged Oman’s coastline, far from Iranian waters, with its cargo undisclosed.
A Japanese LNG tanker also navigated out safely, its owner MOL reported. “The safety of the vessel and all crew members have been confirmed,” MOL said. “We will continue to place the highest priority on ensuring the safety of our crew, cargo, and vessels as operations proceed.” Lloyd’s List observed several Thursday transits sticking unusually close to Oman’s shore.
This vital chokepoint handles nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and a quarter of its LNG from Gulf nations, notes the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The standoff stranded over 200 vessels and slashed traffic by 95 percent, BBC Verify found in late March, with only about 100 making it through—five or six daily. Roughly a third had Iranian connections; others came from Pakistan and India.
The fallout has been severe. Brent crude topped $120 a barrel last week, according to the IEA’s April report, igniting soaring oil prices and fuel hikes that stoke inflation fears. Europe is stockpiling reserves while Asia seeks alternatives. Premiums for war-risk insurance have tripled, per Reuters.
U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at forceful reopening but criticised allies’ reluctance. “With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE,” he posted on Truth Social. “IT WOULD BE A ‘GUSHER’ FOR THE WORLD???”
Pentagon sources eye naval escorts, though NATO hesitates. Iranian state media warned of escalation.