Two Chinese Containerships Secure Passage Through Strait of Hormuz

Two ultra-large containerships operated by Cosco Shipping appear to have received Iranian clearance and passed through the Strait of Hormuz.

The 19,000 teu vessels, CSCL Arctic Ocean and CSCL Indian Ocean, were tracked passing Iran’s Larak Island, a key point used by Iranian authorities to regulate entry and exit from the strait, at the weekend before continuing to the Gulf of Oman, according to vessel intelligence data.

Their successful passage is notable as it represents the first confirmed movement of Cosco owned ships exiting the Gulf since Iran tightened its control over the Strait of Hormuz earlier this month. The development follows a failed attempt last week, when both vessels abruptly turned back while trying to navigate the narrow corridor.

Despite this apparent progress, the breakthrough does not yet appear to extend across Cosco’s entire regional fleet. Tracking data indicates that at least eight of the company’s tankers remain stranded in the central Gulf, suggesting that these permissions may have been granted selectively.

Regional dynamics also appear to be shifting more broadly. Reports indicate that Iran has granted passage rights to vessels from Thailand, Malaysia, India and Pakistan. In addition, a Chinese owned, Barbados-flagged Panamax bulk carrier successfully transited the strait over the weekend.

Together, these developments appear to signal some progress, though uncertainty over consistent access to the choke point remains.

As ever, Westbound is continuing to monitor developments. Should you need further information on specific shipments, then please do not hesitate to contact a member of the team.