In the wake of escalating threats in the Strait of Hormuz, shipping traffic has significantly diminished, with reports indicating that only about eight vessels are now transiting daily—representing a staggering 94% decrease in normal traffic. Amid these challenges, some ships are attempting to disguise their identities as Chinese vessels to evade potential attacks from Iranian forces. Meanwhile, a billionaire shipping magnate continues to send tankers through the perilous waters, defying regional disruptions, including a recent Iranian blockade threat. Despite these risks, certain vessels, including a sanctioned tanker loaded with flammable gas, and bulk carriers touting Chinese origins, have navigated the strait in a bid to transport cargo to the UAE and beyond. Observers note a dramatic shift in vessel flow, with only a limited number of crossings in recent days, and major liner companies refraining from resuming operations in the Middle East.