French-Owned Cargo Ship Crosses Strait of Hormuz as Iran Allows Passage

A French-owned container ship became the first Western European vessel to transit the Strait of Hormuz since it was closed.

“A container ship belonging to French shipping giant CMA CGM has crossed through the Strait of Hormuz, the first such passage by a Western vessel since Iran effectively closed the waterway, the Marine Traffic vessel website shows”

Al Jazeera

The Kribi changed its AIS destination to "Owner France" to signal its nationality to Iranian authorities.

Al Jazeera

The crossing came shortly after Macron rejected military attempts to reopen the Strait.

The vessel used a newly approved route through Iranian waters near Larak Island.

Iran allowed transit for vessels it deems friendly.

Three Omani-operated tankers and a Japanese LNG carrier also crossed.

Baird Maritime

It marked the first Japan-linked vessel and first LNG carrier since the conflict began.

Most ships transiting since March 1 were linked to Iran and countries like China, India and Pakistan.

Macron's public break with Trump was a diplomatic turning point.

“French-owned ship passes through Strait of Hormuz A French-owned ship has passed through the Strait of Hormuz, more than a month after the US-Israeli war with Iran effectively closed the vital transport route”

BBC

The Kribi transit came two days after Macron rejected US proposals to militarily secure the waterway.

France was the only Western nation allowed by Iran to send ships since the war began.

It was unclear how the vessel secured safe passage.

Trump blasted Macron for abandoning America.

CMA CGM was met by Chinese customs and Iran-China ORM officials at the dock.

Daily Sabah

American sanctions on foreign oil purchases remained in place.

The Tehran Toll Booth adds complexity at a vital chokepoint.