Container ship from Germany's Hapag-Lloyd passes Strait of Hormuz

A container ship belonging to the German shipping company Hapag-Lloyd has left the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz.

"One ship has made it," said a spokeswoman for Germany's largest container shipping company on Friday.

According to tracking data, the Tema Express is currently in the Gulf of Oman, north of the Omani coast. The ship was still in the Gulf on April 7, meaning the ship must have passed through the strait since then.

The company spokeswoman did not provide details on the time of the passage, citing security reasons.

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global trade, has been largely closed since the outbreak of the conflict in the Middle East at the end of February due to a blockade by Iran.

Experts believe that Iran's actions violate international maritime law.

Four container ships belonging to Hamburg-based Hapag-Lloyd are reportedly still stranded in the Gulf.

Originally, there were six. In the case of one ship, the charter contract has expired.

Hapag-Lloyd's chief executive, Rolf Habben Jansen, said as recently as Thursday evening that there was no possibility of passing through the Strait of Hormuz and that the company was waiting for an opportunity.

According to the spokeswoman, Jansen's statement was accurate and remains valid.

In mid-April, two cruise ships operated by Tui Cruises crossed the Strait of Hormuz. A cruise ship operated by MSC Cruises also managed to pass through.