The Malta-flagged container ship CMA CGM Kribi, owned by the world’s third-largest container operator, headed east off the coast of Dubai on Thursday afternoon.
CMA CGM, majority owned by the Saadeh family, is believed to have coordinated the passage of the strait with Iranian maritime authorities in advance, reports Euronews.
The ship is bound for the port of Pointe Noire in the Republic of Congo as part of a line connecting India, the Gulf States and Africa. Its passage followed successful transits of China-linked vessels.
Iran is in talks with Oman
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Thursday that Tehran is preparing a protocol with Oman on the safety of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reportedly intends to levy duties starting at $1 a barrel and is considering settling in Chinese yuan or staeblecoins.
A requirement that ships send details to IRGC-affiliated intermediaries to negotiate passage is also being discussed. Access would be determined by a country rating system.
LNG tanker makes first transit attempt
In another development, an LNG tanker entered the Strait of Hormuz, which could also be the first such transit since the conflict began.
According to tracking data, the Sohar LNG tanker, traveling in ballast, changed course on Thursday to the Kalhat LNG export terminal in Oman and began traveling eastward through the strait.
If the passage completes successfully, it will be the first movement of an LNG tanker since the war began.
The attempt signals the gradual return of different types of vessels to the region.
While recent trial voyages have mainly been made by container ships, energy carriers such as oil and gas carriers have so far often bypassed this strategic maritime hub due to increased risks and the suspension of standard insurance coverage.
