The Chinese state has helped shipbrokers conclude at least one vessel sale as owners, brokers and lawyers struggle to do business under the current state of lockdown.

Partners of Optima Shipbroking said police last week used mobile phone location-tracking data to help enable a closing on an open-hatch handysize bulker.

The Saiki-built, 32,000-dwt Apuana D (renamed Ri Yun, built 1998) was sold for $3.45m