CMA CGM vessel transits Strait of Hormuz using Iranian-designated route

On Thursday afternoon, the Malta-flagged container ship Kribi, owned by the French group CMA CGM, successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz. MarineTraffic data indicates the vessel exited the Gulf while broadcasting 'owner France' in its AIS destination field. This marks the first known transit by a major European shipping firm since early March, a period when Iranian-led maritime disruptions severely limited traffic. The ship navigated a route near Larak Island, which is monitored by Iranian authorities and colloquially referred to as 'Tehran's Tollbooth' by Lloyd's List. Analysts report that at least two vessels have reportedly paid fees to utilize this corridor. While the vessel signaled French ownership, previous ships in the region have utilized various measures, including declaring Chinese connections, to mitigate transit risks. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global chokepoint, historically accounting for approximately 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas transit.