A French-owned container ship has exited the Strait of Hormuz, marking what appears to be the first known transit by a vessel linked to Western Europe since the war all but shuttered the vital waterway. The CMA CGM Kribi sailed from waters off Dubai towards Iran on Thursday afternoon local time, signaling its French ownership according to ship-tracking data. This move suggests that the owner was attempting to circumvent the restrictions imposed by Iran's tightened grip over Hormuz since the US and Israel attacked the country on February 28.
The CMA CGM Kribi stuck close to the Iranian coast, moving through a channel between the islands of Qeshm and Larak, openly broadcasting its journey. On Friday morning, it signaled that it was off Muscat, indicating that the ship had successfully navigated the restricted waters. This development is significant as Iran has allowed some ships from friendly nations to transit a pre-approved route while threatening to strike vessels allied to the US or Israel.
US allies including France are making initial diplomatic efforts to ease the crisis, but so far no progress has been reported. The Maltese-flagged vessel belongs to CMA CGM SA, the world's third-largest container line, which is majority-owned by the billionaire Saadé family. The company and the French ministry of foreign affairs declined to comment on this move.
The founder of CMA CGM SA immigrated to France from war-torn Lebanon and started the line in 1978, in Marseille, with one leased vessel. This marks a significant milestone for the company as it navigates the complex web of international relations and shipping restrictions imposed by Iran's actions.
Tracking ships entering and exiting Hormuz is not an exact science and has been complicated by the intense signal jamming in the area, as well as spoofing of signals. The CMA CGM Kribi's journey highlights the challenges faced by ship owners and operators in navigating these restricted waters.
Three other ships also appeared to have exited the Gulf through the strait on Thursday, but further south along the coastline of Oman while broadcasting Omani ownership. This suggests that some shipping companies are exploring alternative routes to circumvent Iran's restrictions.
The CMA CGM Kribi can carry about 5,000 twenty-foot equivalent units, or TEUs, and draft readings show it's sitting low in the water, indicating that it's filled with cargo. Its smaller size compared to other ships highlights the need for flexibility and adaptability in shipping operations during times of crisis.
The recent exit of the CMA CGM Kribi from Hormuz marks a significant development in the ongoing crisis. As tensions between Iran and Western countries continue to escalate, it remains to be seen how this move will impact global shipping operations and trade flows.
