BUSINESS

Chinese Vessels Navigate Hormuz Disruption via Iran-Controlled Corridor

Published: Mar. 31, 2026 5:34 p.m. GMT+8

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A mobile phone displays maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz on March 27. Photo: VCG

The first batch of Chinese commercial vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf has successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz through an Iran-controlled shipping corridor.

The transit underscores how global shipping companies are negotiating passage through the heavily restricted waterway amid the ongoing conflict involving the U.S., Israel and Iran.

Third-party vessel tracking data showed two 20,000 twenty-foot equivalent unit container ships owned by China’s Cosco Shipping Lines Co. Ltd., departed alongside a 55,000-ton Chinese-owned bulk carrier.

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First batch of Chinese vessels (two Cosco 20,000 TEU container ships, one 55,000-ton bulk carrier) transited Iran-controlled Strait of Hormuz corridor to Gulf of Oman.
Corridor established March 13 between Larak and Qeshm islands; requires IRGC negotiations, tolls paid in yuan by at least two ships.
Indian, Pakistani vessels used route; Malaysia, Pakistan, Thailand governments confirmed arrangements amid strait blockage since Feb. 28.

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Who’s Who

Cosco Shipping Lines Co. Ltd.: Two 20,000 TEU container ships owned by Cosco Shipping Lines Co. Ltd. successfully transited an Iran-controlled corridor through the Strait of Hormuz into the Gulf of Oman, alongside a 55,000-ton Chinese-owned bulk carrier. Identifying as "Chinese owner & crew," they are expected to reach Malaysia in early April before returning to China.

Lloyd’s List Intelligence: Lloyd’s List Intelligence reports that as of March 25, at least two ships paid a toll directly using yuan for settlement to navigate Iran’s controlled corridor in the Strait of Hormuz.

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