French, Japanese ships cross Hormuz for first time since war

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TEHRAN: A French container ship and a Japanese-owned gas carrier successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, marking the first time vessels from these nations have crossed the strategic waterway since it was effectively blocked by Iran over a month ago. The transits, confirmed by shipping data and company statements, are being seen as a potential sign of easing maritime paralysis, though the route remains strictly controlled.

The French-owned CMA CGM Kribi, a Malta-flagged container ship, exited the Gulf by sailing through an Iranian-approved channel between the islands of Qeshm and Larak. To secure safe passage, the vessel reportedly updated its tracking data to display ‘Owner France,’ signaling its nationality to Iranian authorities. This is the first known transit by a major Western European shipping group since the conflict began in late February.

Simultaneously, the Japanese-linked LNG tanker Sohar LNG, co-owned by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines crossed the strait using an alternative southern route along the Omani coastline. While the vessel was empty at the time, it is the first Japan-linked ship and the first LNG carrier to make the passage since the start of the war. Approximately 45 other Japanese-owned vessels remain stranded in the region, according to Japan’s transport ministry.

These successful crossings follow recent diplomatic efforts by French President Emmanuel Macron and Japanese officials, who have both called for a ceasefire and a diplomatic solution to reopen the strait. 

While some vessels have managed to pass by broadcasting ‘friendly’ status or paying what some industry journals call a ‘Tehran Toll,’ the vast majority of global shipping remains halted. 

Before the conflict, the Strait of Hormuz served as the transit point for approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.