French and Japanese ships transit Hormuz blockade

In Short:
– A French container ship and a Japanese LNG tanker crossed the Strait of Hormuz for the first time since Iran’s blockade.
– Iranian inspections and high fees limit vessel passage, affecting global shipping operations and leading to increased freight rates.

A French container ship and a Japanese LNG tanker transited the Strait of Hormuz this week, marking the first incursions by Western vessels since Iran established a blockade after U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28.CMA CGM Kribi, a French-owned vessel, began its journey on April 2 after a period of inactivity near Dubai. The ship, flying under Malta’s flag, indicated French ownership while navigating a corridor sanctioned by Iran.

First crossings

On the same day, the Panama-flagged Sohar LNG, partly owned by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, completed transit, becoming the first Japanese-linked vessel to cross since the conflict began.

Three Omani tankers opted for an alternative route along the coastline, avoiding Iranian waters while also broadcasting their affiliation.

On April 2, the Joint Maritime Information Center reported 12 vessels transiting the strait, amid a significant decline in traffic due to the blockade.

Despite these crossings, relief remains limited, with 45 ships owned by Japanese companies still stranded in the Gulf.

Iran’s selective transit regime has primarily allowed passage for vessels linked to countries such as China, India, and Pakistan, blocking those associated with the U.S. or Israel.

Whether these recent crossings suggest a lasting reopening of the strait remains uncertain, with prior surges in transits often followed by a return to blockage.

Ongoing tensions

Efforts to restore freedom of navigation continue, with discussions between international leaders advocating for the end of regional hostilities.

Iran has established a controlled transit system, inspecting vessels in the corridor via Larak Island. Operators may pay substantial fees for passage under this regime.

Significant shipping companies have suspended operations in the region, leading to increased operational costs and a spike in freight rates.

The disruption has created a major supply shock, reshaping global shipping patterns in response to the ongoing conflict.