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Two Chinese container ships attempted to leave the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz on Friday but turned back, despite Iran having said that Chinese vessels would be allowed to pass safely.
Shipping data reported by Reuters showed the vessels began their journey early in the morning but did not continue.
They attempted to move through the strait around 03:50 GMT before reversing course, according to data from the tracking platform Kpler.
Earlier this week, China’s state-owned shipping company, COSCO, informed customers that it was restarting cargo bookings from Asia to several Middle Eastern countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Iraq.
This marked the first time a major shipping company had attempted to pass through the area since the conflict began.
However, the failed attempt suggests that safety in the region remains uncertain.
Tracking data showed that both ships identified themselves as Chinese-owned and operated, likely as a signal while navigating the sensitive route.
COSCO’s parent company, based in Shanghai, has not yet responded to the issue.
Chinese container ships turn back from Strait of Hormuz despite Iran’s assurances
