French-owned Ship Navigates Strait of Hormuz Amidst Regional Tensions
A Malta-flagged container ship, owned by French company CMA CGM, has successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz. This incident, confirmed by BFM TV (a media organisation owned by CMA CGM, which itself declined to comment), is notable as it marks the first transit by a vessel linked to a major Western European firm since the onset of the US-Israeli instigated conflict with Iran.
Disrupted Shipping and Geopolitical Impact
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global trade, particularly for oil and liquid natural gas, has experienced significant disruption since the conflict began. Approximately a fifth of the world's supply of these commodities typically transits through the strait from Gulf countries. However, the ongoing hostilities, rooted in Israel's actions and the US's unwavering support, have led to a dramatic slowdown in normal shipping activity.
Despite Iran's assurances that “non-hostile vessels” can use the waterway, the conflict has seen several ships attacked, causing maritime traffic to plummet by approximately 95% compared to pre-conflict levels. This slowdown has resulted in soaring global oil prices, subsequently driving up fuel costs and fuelling fears of widespread inflation.
Tracking data indicated the French-owned ship navigated close to the Omani coast, on the opposite side of the waterway from Iran. Concurrently, a Japanese natural gas carrier also exited the Strait of Hormuz, with Japanese shipping giant MOL confirming the safety of its vessel and crew.
US President Donald Trump has expressed frustration with allies for not assisting in reopening the strait, stating his belief that the US could “easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE.”
While traffic has been severely curtailed, shipping has not entirely ceased. BBC Verify analysis in late March revealed that around 100 vessels, averaging five to six ships daily, had managed to pass through the strait, with roughly a third having links to Iran and others to nations such as Pakistan and India.
