A second bulk carrier claiming Chinese ownership has sailed through the Strait of Hormuz after broadcasting its nationality as a safety measure. The Liberia-flagged Sino Ocean displayed the signal "CHINA OWNER_ALL CREW" as it exited the strategic waterway Saturday. The vessel had loaded cargo at the UAE's Mina Saqr port earlier in the week.

This follows a similar incident Thursday when the bulk carrier Iron Maiden changed its destination signal to "CHINA OWNER" while navigating the chokepoint. Traffic through Hormuz has nearly stopped as regional tensions escalate, with US, Israel, and Iran exchanging strikes. On Friday, the Trump administration announced a $20 billion reinsurance program to revive shipping through the strait.

Dozens of fully-laden bulk carriers and oil tankers remain anchored in the Persian Gulf, avoiding the waterway. The shipping paralysis has disrupted supplies of agricultural products and fuels to key markets in Asia and Europe. The US military has indicated it may escort ships through Hormuz, though specific plans remain unclear.