French-owned ship passes through Strait of Hormuz
French-Owned Vessel Navigates Strait of Hormuz Amid Regional Tensions
A container ship under French ownership, flagged under Malta’s registry, successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz following a significant pause in maritime traffic. This move, confirmed by BFM TV—owned by the same shipping firm—marks a notable event as the waterway had been effectively closed by the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. CMA CGM, the company behind the vessel, did not provide additional comments.
Strait Closure and Resumption of Movement
The conflict, which began in late February, disrupted normal operations, causing a halt in commercial shipping through the strait. However, recent tracking data revealed the French-owned vessel approached Oman’s coast, indicating progress in resuming transit. Analysts from Kpler noted this is the first time a major Western European firm’s ship has traversed the route since hostilities escalated.
Other Vessels and Safety Concerns
A Japanese ship carrying natural gas also exited the strait, according to MOL, the nation’s leading shipping company. “The safety of the vessel and all crew members has been confirmed,” MOL stated, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining operational security. Lloyd’s List reported that several ships hugged the Omani coast closely on Thursday, suggesting cautious navigation amid ongoing risks.
“With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE,” said US President Donald Trump on Truth Social. “IT WOULD BE A ‘GUSHER’ FOR THE WORLD???”
Global Economic Implications
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy, moves approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquid natural gas. When the conflict began, shipping was suspended, leaving around 200 vessels stranded in the surrounding waters. This disruption triggered a sharp rise in oil prices, fueling concerns over inflation worldwide.
Despite the 95% reduction in traffic compared to pre-conflict levels, some vessels have managed to pass through. By late March, BBC Verify data showed about 100 ships had navigated the strait, averaging five to six daily. Roughly a third of these were linked to Iran, while others connected to countries like Pakistan and India. The gradual return of activity signals a cautious easing of the crisis.
