French Ship Glides Through Hormuz, Hinting at Calm Between Paris and Tehran

April 2 – The Malta‑flagged Kribi, owned by French shipping giant CMA CGM, became the first French vessel to pass through the Strait of Hormuz since late‑February hostilities erupted.

Key Facts

• Ship: Kribi (Malta‑flagged, CMA CGM owner)
• Route: Southward along Oman’s coast into Iranian waters
• Significance: The strait once carried roughly 20 % of global oil and LNG traffic, but had effectively shut down during the conflict.

Uncertain Passage

• CMA CGM did not comment on how safe passage was secured.
• President Emmanuel Macron’s office also declined to discuss any diplomatic arrangements.

Macron’s Statement

On the same day Kribi entered the strait, Macron publicly stated that:

• A military operation to reopen Hormuz is unrealistic.
• Only diplomatic channels can succeed.
• Reopening must involve consultation with Iran, emphasizing the passage’s importance for energy, fertilizers, and global trade.

Diplomatic Efforts

• French diplomats have worked to soften a United Nations Security Council resolution that could allow forceful action in the strait.
• Kribi updated its Automatic Identification System to display “Owner France” before entering Iranian waters, a common tactic in conflict zones to signal neutrality.

Destination

• The vessel was originally bound for Pointe‑Noire in the Republic of the Congo.

Implications

• The event suggests that Iran may view France as a non‑hostile actor, or at least that diplomatic efforts are bearing fruit.
• It highlights how maritime nations navigate complex political waters while maintaining trade routes.