French, Japanese Ships Make First Strait of Hormuz Crossings Since Iran War

A French container ship and a Japanese-owned tanker made the first certified commercial transits through the Strait of Hormuz since the war closed the waterway.

“A French container ship, three Oman-linked tankers and a Japanese-owned gas carrier have crossed the Strait of Hormuz, as some vessels make the passage through the contested waterway”

Al Jazeera

The CMA CGM Kribi crossed using a corridor hugging the Iranian coastline dubbed the "Tehran Toll Booth."

Al Jazeera

Japan's Mitsui OSK Lines confirmed the LNG tanker Sohar LNG also crossed using a southern route.

The Strait normally handles about 20% of world oil and LNG trade and had been effectively closed since February 28.

The CMA CGM Kribi broadcast "owner France" indicating an emerging system of Iranian approval.

The "Iranian-approved route" passes close to Larak Island and Qeshm.

Al-Jazeera Net

Some vessels switched off AIS transponders during the crossing.

The developments mark a shift from near-total halt to managed reopening.

The transit signals possible coordination between Tehran and Paris.

Macron insists the strait can only reopen once the bombing stops.

Iran announced a protocol with Oman to secure traffic and charge tolls.

The toll system introduces a financial cost that could affect global trade.

The closure disrupted roughly 20% of global oil and LNG trade.

Insurance premiums soared and over 200 ships were stranded.

Anadolu Ajansı

The CMA CGM Kribi is heading toward Pointe Noire as part of a regional service.

Whether the corridor becomes reliable will be a key factor in economic fallout.