By Serene Cheong
March 7, 2026 – Another bulk carrier, identified as Chinese-owned, made its way through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway at the entrance of the Persian Gulf that has been largely closed for a week due to several attacks in the region.
The ship, named Sino Ocean and registered under the Liberian flag, broadcasted its destination signal as “CHINA OWNER_ALL CREW” while navigating the strait. According to ship-tracking data, it left the strait on Saturday after loading cargo at Mina Saqr port in the United Arab Emirates on March 5.
This vessel is the second this week to announce its Chinese ownership in an attempt to ensure safe passage through Hormuz. Earlier, on Thursday, a bulk carrier called Iron Maiden altered its destination signal to “CHINA OWNER” as it maneuvered through the waterway alongside the coast of Oman.
Traffic in the strait has nearly come to a standstill as regional conflicts intensify, with the U.S., Israel, and Iran engaging in strikes and counterstrikes. Last weekend, a liquefied petroleum gas tanker named Bogazici identified itself as Turkish and Muslim-owned, likely to avoid attacks while passing through the strait.
The Sino Ocean was active with its transponders, clearly indicating its position to other ships nearby. The specific cargo it was carrying remains unknown.
As per the shipping database Equasis, the Sino Ocean is owned by Aquila Shipping Co. and managed by Sinocean Shipping HK Ltd., both located in China. Aquila Shipping lacks a notable online presence, and Sinocean Shipping does not seem to have a functional website.
A significant number of fully-loaded bulk carriers and oil and gas tankers are currently waiting in the Persian Gulf, avoiding the Strait of Hormuz. This has disrupted supplies of various goods, including agricultural products and fuels, to major customers in Asia and Europe.
On Friday, the U.S. government announced a $20 billion reinsurance program designed to revitalize shipping through Hormuz. Additionally, the U.S. has indicated its military may escort vessels in the strait, although specific plans have yet to be revealed.