Photo: Getty Images
A container vessel signaling affiliation with France has exited the Strait of Hormuz, marking what is described as the first known transit of a Western European-linked ship since the escalation of tensions involving Iran.
According to Bloomberg, the vessel CMA CGM Kribi left waters off the coast of Dubai on Thursday and moved toward Iran, broadcasting that its owner is based in France. The ship sailed close to the Iranian coastline through the channel between the islands of Qeshm and Larak, while continuously transmitting its route. By Friday morning, it was reported near the coast of Muscat, Oman.
Two people familiar with the matter said the vessel had crossed the strait.
Context of shipping disruption
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has reportedly been severely disrupted since recent hostilities involving the United States and Israel and Iran. Only a limited number of vessels are said to be transiting, mostly those linked to countries perceived as friendly, with reports suggesting an informal system of prior Iranian approval for passage near its coastline.
Some states, including Pakistan, are said to have reached agreements allowing passage for vessels under their flags.
Vessel details
The ship is owned by CMA CGM SA, one of the world’s largest container shipping companies, and is registered under the Maltese flag, while being linked to France through ownership. The company is controlled by the Saadé family, a Lebanese-origin billionaire shipping dynasty.
According to the New York Times, France, alongside Russia and China, reportedly blocked a proposal at the UN Security Council that would have authorized military action to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
