Eight containerships managed to flee the Persian Gulf during a brief opening of the Strait of Hormuz, six of which are operated by MSC, reported the UK's Seatrade Maritime News.

Consultant Linerlytica stated that all six MSC vessels successfully crossed the strait, including the 19,224 TEU Clara, the largest ship north of the corridor. Other MSC ships included the 16,000 TEU MSC Grace, 13,102 TEU MSC Margrit XIII, 9,200 TEU MSC Madeleine, 11,660 TEU MSC Francesca, and 6,673 TEU Epaminondas.

All vessels switched off their transponders during transit. Linerlytica noted that MSC Francesca and Epaminondas remain dark, with their positions unverified, while the others have resumed AIS signals.

Additionally, two smaller ships, the 1,030 TEU Bhagya Laxmi and 2,702 TEU SSF Valence, also managed to escape, reducing the Arabian Gulf fleet to fewer than 100 units, with a combined capacity of 270,000 TEU, down from a peak of 430,000 TEU.

Four CMA CGM boxships were unable to cross after Iran shut the strait again following the US seizure of the 5,125 TEU Touska. The IRISL-operated vessel was intercepted en route to Bandar Abbas from Port Klang.

Linerlytica observed that the US blockade of Iranian ports has had limited effect, with at least seven Iran-linked ships bypassing restrictions in the past week. Demand remains weak, with Asia-Europe spot rates softening and Maersk extending April rates into May.

In contrast, Pacific spot rates from Asia have risen for four consecutive weeks, with carriers remaining cautious about cutting prices ahead of annual contract renewals on May 1, according to Linerlytica.