Mixed Outcomes As Twelve-Ship Convoy Attempts Hormuz Passage

A convoy of twelve container ships attempted to navigate the Strait of Hormuz earlier this week, resulting in mixed outcomes including Iranian forces detaining two MSC vessels.

According to reports, the convoy tried to pass through the strategically sensitive waterway by disabling their AIS tracking systems in an effort to avoid detection amid Iran’s ongoing closure of the strait. The maneuver only partially succeeded. While half of the ships managed to transit the area, the situation escalated when two MSC-operated vessels came under attack.

The ships identified as the MSC Francesca (capacity 11,660 TEU) and the MV Epaminondas (6,673 TEU), the latter owned by Greek interests but operated by MSC, were both reportedly fired upon and damaged before being seized.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) justified the action by accusing the vessels of “repeated violations,” including attempting to exit the strait covertly. The group warned it would respond decisively to any further breaches of its restrictions in the area.

UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed that two ships were stopped, though it did not name them. MSC has not yet released an official statement, but multiple reports have confirmed the vessel names and maritime tracking data shows the vessels still stationary within the strait.

Meanwhile, several ships in the same convoy successfully completed their passage. Four MSC vessels—MSC Clara, MSC Grace, MSC Margrit XIII, and MSC Madeleine—along with two smaller independently operated ships, are now showing as clear of the Arabian Sea and in waters near Sri Lanka.

Along with the two seized ships, four CMA CGM containerships were also unsuccessful in their attempt and were instructed to turn back by Iranian forces.

The number of container ships stranded in the Gulf seems to have decreased significantly. Current estimates place the total at around 270,000 TEU of capacity, a drop from the earlier peak of approximately 430,000 TEU.

Westbound continues to keep a close eye on developments.