French Firm’s Ship Exits Hormuz In First European Crossing Since Iran Curbs

Last Updated:April 03, 2026, 17:27 IST

French group CMA CGM cargo ship Kribi becomes first major European vessel since March to cross Iran controlled Strait of Hormuz via paid safe corridor near Larak Island

Amid the ongoing tension in West Asia that has heavily impacted the Strait of Hormuz, a French-flagged container was allowed through passage. According to a report by AFP, Maltese-flagged Kribi, belonging to the French maritime transport group CMA CGM, crossed the strait on Friday.

The Strait Of Hormuz has been blocked by Iran since the war broke out between US-Israel and Iran. This marks the first French maritime transport company CMA CGM’s Maltese-flagged Kribi crossed the strait on Friday, according to an AFP report. known transit by a major European shipping group since March 1, when Iranian attacks against ships near the Strait of Hormuz, in retaliation for US-Israel strikes, reduced crossings to a trickle.

Only a limited number of ships are currently passing through, compared to over 100 daily crossings before the conflict. Tehran has been allowing selective passage to certain vessels under a “safe corridor" system, requiring prior approval. The ship was off Muscat, Oman, early Friday, still broadcasting the message “owner France" on its transponder system in the field usually used to give the destination.

The report said that the vessel was off Muscat, Oman, early Friday, broadcasting the message “owner France" on its transponder system in the field usually used to give the destination.

The ship’s navigation data showed it crossed through a new Iranian-approved route through its waters, dubbed the “Tehran Toll Booth" by leading shipping journal Lloyd’s List. At least two vessels have paid to use the corridor around Larak Island just off Iran’s coast, a Lloyd’s List Intelligence analyst said in a briefing on Thursday.

News world French Firm’s Ship Exits Hormuz In First European Crossing Since Iran Curbs

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