Are Vessels Starting To Identify As “Chinese” To Transit Hormuz Chokepoint

A second China-linked bulk carrier broadcasted “CHINA OWNER_ALL CREW” while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday morning in an effort to reduce the risk of an IRGC drone or missile attack. We were the first to highlight this tactic late Wednesday night and believe it will only become more widespread within the commercial shipping community. The Liberia-flagged Sino Ocean broadcasted “CHINA OWNER_ALL CREW” as it transited the narrowest stretch of the world’s most critical maritime energy chokepoint early this morning. The first instance of a bulk carrier broadcasting “CHINA OWNER” occurred last Wednesday night when the Iron Maiden changed…