The Malta-flagged Kribi, operated by France's CMA CGM shipping group, traversed the Strait of Hormuz to exit the Gulf on the afternoon of 2/4. This route has been almost entirely blockaded by Iran since the conflict erupted in the Middle East.

This appears to be the first time a vessel from a major European shipping group has passed through Hormuz since 1/3, when Iran began targeting ships near the strait in retaliation for US-Israeli airstrikes.

By early morning on 3/4, the ship was off the coast of Muscat, Oman. Notably, its navigation system, instead of displaying a typical destination, repeatedly broadcast the message "French owner".

Maritime data indicates the vessel navigated a new route within Iranian territorial waters, approved by Iran. Lloyd's List, a leading shipping journal, has dubbed this route the "Tehran toll station". At least two ships have paid a fee to use this corridor around Larak island, located close to the Iranian coast, according to a Lloyd's List analyst at a press conference on 2/4.

Lo trinh cac tau dau can thuc hien de duoc dam bao qua eo bien Hormuz an toan. Do hoa: Guardian

Since the conflict began in the Middle East, the few cargo ships that maintained navigation signals while transiting these waters opted for a route close to Larak island. Most voyages since 1/3 have either originated from or been destined for Iran, with others linked to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), India, China, or Saudi Arabia.

Before the conflict erupted on 28/2, the Strait of Hormuz served as a vital artery for one-fifth of the world's crude oil and gas supply, alongside one-third of the raw materials for global agricultural fertilizer production.

Around 1,000 ships remain stranded in the Gulf due to the ongoing conflict between Iran and the US-Israel. Over the past month, approximately 130 vessels have safely transited the strait, a daily traffic density similar to pre-conflict levels.

On 1/4, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared the Strait of Hormuz remains "closed to hostile nations" and its navy maintains full control of traffic.

Mot tau hang cua hang CMA CGM di qua kenh dao Suez, Ai Cap, hoi nam 2021. Anh: Reuters

US President Donald Trump had repeatedly threatened to increase attacks if Iran did not open the Strait of Hormuz. However, in a recent speech at the White House, Trump reversed his stance, stating that the US hardly imports oil via the Strait of Hormuz and that nations receiving oil through this maritime route must control the strait themselves.

Vu Hoang (According to AFP, Reuters, AP)