CMA CGM May Scrap Containership San Antonio After Missile Strike in the Strait of Hormuz

French shipping company CMA CGM is considering scrapping its containership CMA CGM San Antonio after the vessel suffered extensive damage during a missile attack in the Strait of Hormuz.

The announcement was made by Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM, during a business conference in France. According to Saadé, the damage is so severe that repairing the vessel may no longer be economically viable.

“The ship has suffered such significant damage that scrapping it is now being considered,” the CEO said.

Crew Safety Remains the Priority

Several crew members were reportedly injured during the attack and were safely evacuated. Following the incident, the vessel remained in the region for several weeks before it could be moved to a safe location for further assessment.

CMA CGM emphasized that the safety of its seafarers remains its highest priority and continues to closely monitor the security situation in the Middle East.

No Immediate Return to the Persian Gulf

Despite signs of improving regional stability, CMA CGM has confirmed that it currently has no plans to resume regular operations in the Persian Gulf.

The company has already redirected part of its fleet to alternative routes, while only a limited number of vessels continue operating within the Gulf under enhanced security measures.

A Critical Global Shipping Route

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. A significant share of global oil exports, LNG shipments, and container traffic passes through this narrow waterway every day.

Any disruption in the area immediately affects global shipping, freight rates, marine insurance costs, and supply chains.

Potentially One of the Most Expensive Wartime Shipping Losses

If CMA CGM San Antonio is ultimately declared a total loss and sent for scrapping, it would become one of the most expensive modern containerships to be written off as a result of military conflict in recent years.

The incident also highlights the growing risks facing commercial shipping in geopolitically sensitive regions and may influence future routing decisions by major global shipping companies.