COSCO's large container fleet passes through the Strait of Hormuz

【Caixin Global】 The first batch of large Chinese vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf have begun their “journey home.” AIS (Automatic Identification System) data shows that on the evening of March 30, the two 20,000 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) container ships operated by Cosco Shipping Container Lines—“China Ocean Indian Ocean” and “China Ocean Arctic Ocean”—successfully entered the Gulf of Oman by passing through the “safe corridor” in the Strait of Hormuz set up by Iran. They are expected to return home after arriving at Port Klang in Malaysia in early April.

AIS shows that on the afternoon of March 30, “China Ocean Indian Ocean” and “China Ocean Arctic Ocean” set sail, accompanied by a 550,000 DWT bulk carrier owned by a Chinese shipowner. As the three vessels transited the strait, their AIS entries were all marked as “CHINESE OWNER&CREW” (Chinese-owned and Chinese crew).

According to Xinhua News Agency, at a regular press briefing on the 31st, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said in response to questions, “After coordination with the relevant parties, in recent days three Chinese vessels have transited the Strait of Hormuz. We express our thanks for the assistance provided by the relevant parties. The Strait of Hormuz and the waters nearby are an important international route for goods and energy trade. China calls for an immediate ceasefire to end the fighting, and for the restoration of peace and stability in the Gulf region.”