Chinese bulker’s Hormuz run sparks interest but not a rush yet
Chinese bulker’s Hormuz run sparks interest but not a rush yet
A CHINESE-linked bulk carrier recently slipped through the Strait of Hormuz, broadcasting “Chinese owner” as it went. The question now gripping the market: was this a one-off gamble, or a sign of things to come?
Lloyd’s List has found that while some opportunistic players are eager to follow suit, Chinese shipowners as a whole are not yet ready to take the plunge.
The Marshall Islands-flagged handymax bulker Iron Maiden (IMO: 9691149) made headlines after successfully exiting the Middle East Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz in the early hours local of Thursday morning, having broadcast its Chinese ownership credentials during the passage.
Vessel data shows the ship is operated and managed by Cetus Maritime, a company formed in early 2023 through the merger of Hong Kong-based Asia Maritime Pacific and Hamburg’s Bulk Carriers. The chief executive of Asia Maritime Pacific, Mark Young, continues to lead Cetus.
Lloyd’s List understands, however, that the transit of Iron Maiden was an …