Finance
Japanese, French and Omani Vessels Cross the Strait of Hormuz
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 3, 2026
3 min readLast updated: April 3, 2026
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Three vessels—a French CMA CGM container ship, a Japanese-linked LNG carrier and Omani-operated tankers—have transited the Strait of Hormuz since April 2, signaling Iran may be selectively allowing passage for ships it considers friendly amid prior blockades.
Japanese, French, and Omani Vessels Resume Transit in the Strait of Hormuz
Resumption of Maritime Traffic and International Reactions
By Kentaro Okasaka and Kantaro Komiya
Recent Vessel Movements Through the Strait
TOKYO/OSLO, April 3 (Reuters) - Three Omani-operated tankers, a French-owned container ship and a Japanese-owned gas carrier have crossed the Strait of Hormuz since Thursday, shipping data showed, reflecting Iran's policy to allow passage for vessels it deems friendly.
Iran initially shut the Strait - a route for about a fifth of global oil and LNG flows - after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran at the end of February led to a widening conflict. Later, it said it would permit transits by ships with no U.S. or Israeli links.
Market Impact and Previous Blockade Incidents
Oil and commodities markets are keen for signs traffic is resuming. Several tankers and container ships have managed to escape the blockade in previous weeks but activity was swiftly followed by days of complete paralysis.
French and Omani Vessels: Diplomatic Maneuvers
French Container Ship Passage
A container ship owned by France's CMA CGM transited the Strait on Thursday, the day that French President Emmanuel Macron said that only diplomatic efforts, not a military operation could open the Strait.
The French vessel changed its Automatic Identification System destination to "Owner France" before entering Iranian waters, signalling its nationality to Iranian authorities.
Omani Tankers and Mediation Efforts
OMAN MEDIATED TALKS BETWEEN IRAN AND THE U.S.
The vessels appear to have switched off their AIS transponders during the crossing because their signal disappeared on vessel-tracking data.
Two very large crude carriers and one LNG tanker operated by Oman Shipping Management also exited the Gulf on Thursday, according to MarineTraffic and LSEG data.
Oman, which mediated talks between Iran and the United States before the attacks, has criticised the launch of strikes while the talks were ongoing.
Japanese Shipping Activity in the Strait
First Japanese LNG Carrier Transit
Japan's Mitsui O.S.K. Lines said on Friday that the LNG tanker, Sohar LNG, which it co-owns, had crossed the Strait, making it the first Japan-linked vessel and the first LNG carrier to do so since the conflict began.
Its spokesperson declined to tell Reuters when the passage occurred or whether negotiations were required.
Stranded Japanese Vessels and Further Movements
As of early Friday, around 45 ships owned or operated by Japanese companies remained stranded in the region, according to Japan's transport ministry.
Another Mitsui-owned LPG tanker, Green Sanvi, left the Gulf via Iran's territorial waters earlier on Friday, according to the shipping data.
The India-flagged ship signalled its destination as "India ship India crew".
Also, Panama-flagged Danisa, a very large gas carrier, left the Gulf via the same route, heading to China, the data showed.
Reporting and Editorial Credits
(Reporting by Kentaro Okasaka and Kantaro Komiya; Additional reporting by Katya Golubkova in Tokyo and Nerijus Adomaitis in Oslo; Editing by Tomasz Janowski and Barbara Lewis)
Key Takeaways
- •French CMA CGM vessel Kribi became the first Western‑European‑owned ship to transit since the February‑end U.S.–Israeli strikes, signaling French affiliation with ‘Owner France’ via AIS prior to entry (time.com)
- •Japan’s Sohar LNG carrier, co‑owned by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, was the first LNG tanker to transit since the conflict began; at least 45 Japanese‑linked vessels remain stranded in the region (euronews.com)
- •Omani‑operated tankers also exited the Gulf on Thursday; Iran appears to be accepting vessels with no U.S. or Israeli links, while markets are watching for signs of sustained traffic recovery and relief in energy supply pressure (euronews.com)
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Japanese, French and Omani vessels cross the Strait of Hormuz
1Which countries' vessels recently crossed the Strait of Hormuz?
Vessels from Japan, France, and Oman recently crossed the Strait of Hormuz according to shipping data.
2Why was the Strait of Hormuz initially closed?
Iran initially closed the Strait following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran in late February, which escalated regional conflict.
3What is the significance of the Strait of Hormuz for global markets?
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for about a fifth of global oil and LNG flows, impacting oil and commodities markets.
4What conditions did Iran set for allowing vessel passage?
Iran allowed ships with no U.S. or Israeli affiliations to transit the Strait, following initial closure after regional attacks.
5How many Japanese-owned vessels remain stranded in the region?
As of early Friday, around 45 ships owned or operated by Japanese companies remain stranded in the region.
