Two ultra-large container vessels operated by China’s COSCO Shipping, the CSCL Indian Ocean and the CSCL Arctic Ocean, successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz after initially turning back days earlier amid heightened Middle East tensions.
As tracking data showed on 30 March, both ships passed Iran’s Larak Island, a key checkpoint controlled by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, around 0800 to 0900 GMT. They were heading toward the Gulf of Oman at about 15 knots before continuing onward toward Port Klang, Malaysia.
The transit is being described by shipping analysts as a potentially significant shift in commercial shipping conditions through the strategic chokepoint. It marks what is reported as the first confirmed crossing by a major container carrier since recent conflict related disruptions in the region, and may reflect emerging diplomatic coordination between Beijing and Tehran over passage rights.
The vessels had previously aborted an attempt to exit the Gulf via the same corridor before reportedly receiving clearance on a second attempt.
In addition, Iran has agreed to allow 20 Pakistani-flagged vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Furthermore, on 31 March, senior diplomatic officials from People’s Republic of China and Islamic Republic of Pakistan jointly called for urgent de-escalation and renewed diplomatic engagement in the Gulf and Middle East region