Two container ships operated by the Chinese shipping giant Cosco successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, exiting the Gulf as confirmed by ship tracking data on Tuesday. This passage is notable as shipping activity through the strait has significantly decreased in recent weeks due to Iran’s near closure of this vital waterway following US-Israeli attacks on the country.
The vessels, CSCL Indian Ocean and CSCL Arctic Ocean, crossed the strait at approximately 0914 GMT and 0941 GMT respectively, Marine Traffic data. Both ships sailed close to the Iranian-controlled island of Larak and are headed for Port Klang in Malaysia.
In a significant development, Cosco declined to comment on the transit when approached for remarks. Iran has stated that the strait remains open to vessels from “friendly countries,” maintaining strong diplomatic relations with China. Earlier attempts by these two ultra-large container ships to pass through the strait were aborted on Friday, as per Marine Traffic records.
Meanwhile, Cosco announced on Wednesday that it would resume bookings for shipments from Asia to several Gulf nations, though it would avoid routes passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The Shanghai-based company had previously suspended bookings for services through the strait earlier in March due to the ongoing conflict.
