The CMA CGM Kribi, a vessel registered in Malta and operated by the French shipping giant CMA CGM, recently made headlines by possibly being the first ship with French ties to sail through the Strait of Hormuz since Iran has restricted access. MarineTraffic reported that the ship left Dubai on a Thursday and reached Muscat, Oman, by Friday.
MarineTraffic’s tracking shows the ship took a northern route, navigating a tight space between Qeshm and Larak islands. Analysts suggest Iran uses Larak as a “toll booth,” where vessels may need to pay fees of up to $2 million for safe passage. CMA CGM, one of the world’s largest container shipping companies, chose not to comment on the voyage when approached by the AP.
According to Lloyd’s List Intelligence, traffic through the Strait has plummeted by about 90% since the onset of the Iran war. Only about 150 vessels, mainly linked to Iran and countries like China, India, and Pakistan, have been able to transit since March 1.
Interestingly, a Japanese LNG tanker named “SOHAR LNG” also recently crossed the Strait, marking a significant first since the conflict began. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines confirmed to Reuters that the tanker reached safety off Oman with its crew intact. However, they didn’t share details about when the crossing happened or if any agreements were made with Iran for safe passage.
Recent data highlights ongoing shipping risks in the region. According to a report by the International Maritime Organization, incidents of piracy and maritime insecurity are at a high. Safety measures and increasing military presence in these waters have become critical, yet they come at a cost, with shipping companies looking to find the balance between risk and operational viability.
Social media reactions to these crossings reflect a mix of concern and optimism. Users are discussing the shrinking number of vessels passing through the Strait and wondering about the long-term implications for global trade. As shipping routes change, companies may have to rethink strategies, possibly turning to alternative routes, which could add to transportation costs and delivery times.
As shipping lines evaluate their options in the evolving geopolitical landscape, experts emphasize the importance of continuous monitoring of the situation in the Strait. Keeping ships safe while maintaining trade routes remains a significant challenge in these uncertain times.
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War, Iran, Israel, Donald Trump, Persian Gulf, Middle East, Oil and Gas, Benjamin Netanyahu, Strait of Hormuz
