Lloyd’s List, Chinese ships announce nationality for transit through Hormuz

Some ships linked to China are disclosing their nationality when transiting the Strait of Hormuz, although the country’s major operators are still cautious about moving their vessels in the region. This is according to Lloyds List Intelligence, which reports that “six ships” linked to Beijing, but not tankers, passed through the critical area between 1 and 8 March. According to data collected by Lloyds List, two Chinese supramax bulk carriers with a gross tonnage of approximately 53,000 tonnes transited over the weekend. The tactic of announcing one’s nationality, which according to some sources is also used by Turkish ships, has also been used recently in the Red Sea during attacks by Yemeni rebels.