Malta-Flagged, French-Owned Ship Becomes First Western European Vessel To Cross Hormuz Since Conflict Began

A Malta-flagged container ship owned by French shipping giant CMA CGM has become the first commercial vessel to pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz since hostilities erupted between the United States, Israel, and Iran more than a month ago.

Vessel-tracking data showed that the “Kribi,” flying the Maltese flag, crossed the strategic waterway on the 2nd of April without incident.

The passage marks a tentative step toward restoring navigation in a route that previously carried about 20% of global oil and gas trade, before the conflict effectively closed it.

The ship’s safe transit briefly eased tensions in global energy markets after weeks of soaring oil prices.

Soon after, a Japanese gas carrier also completed the crossing successfully, raising cautious hopes for renewed freedom of navigation through one of the world’s most vital maritime checkpoints.

#MaltaDaily