Over 60% Of India-Bound Ships Go Dark While Crossing Strait Of Hormuz Amid US-Iran Tensions
Our take
The recent surge in ships “going dark” while traversing the Strait of Hormuz, with over 60% of vessels bound for India employing this tactic, presents a concerning development with implications far beyond immediate shipping logistics. This practice, where vessels cease broadcasting their identity, location, and destination, is a direct consequence of heightened US-Iran tensions, as highlighted in recent reports of [Iran Rejects Upcoming U.S. Talks In Qatar Amid Weekend Ceasefire Violations]. The deliberate obfuscation of maritime activity introduces a significant layer of risk and uncertainty to a vital global trade chokepoint, demanding careful examination through the lens of ocean intelligence and data transparency. The Strait of Hormuz is, of course, a critical waterway, carrying a substantial portion of the world’s oil supply, and any disruption to its flow carries global economic repercussions. This particular maneuver isn’t new, but the sheer scale of its adoption underscores the escalating geopolitical instability in the region.
The phenomenon of ships going dark is more than a simple evasive maneuver; it represents a breakdown in established maritime protocols and a potential impediment to safety and security. The loss of real-time tracking data hinders efforts to monitor vessel traffic, increasing the risk of collisions, piracy, and illicit activities. It also complicates efforts to enforce international maritime law and respond to emergencies. This situation directly contrasts with the advancements being made in ocean data collection and dissemination, as exemplified by the new Ocean Robotics Laboratory at the University of Rhode Island, showcased in [URI Unveils Ocean Robotics Laboratory With An Underwater Ribbon Cutting Ceremony]. The progress in automated tracking and monitoring systems, like those leveraging the World Ocean Database Programme, aims to create an integrated data ecosystem, but this deliberate act of concealment actively undermines those efforts. The inherent value of open, discoverable, and accessible oceanographic data, as prioritized by [The World Ocean Database Programme (WODP): Openly, Discoverable, Accessible, Adaptable, and Comprehensive Digital Global Profile Oceanographic Data of Known Quality - Ocean Decade], is directly challenged by this widespread practice.
The drivers behind this behavior are multifaceted. Increased scrutiny from both US and Iranian naval forces, coupled with the risk of sanctions or seizure, likely incentivizes ship operators to prioritize perceived security over transparency. While the immediate motivation is to avoid detection and potential conflict, the long-term consequences could be far-reaching. A decline in trust in maritime data streams, a weakening of international maritime security frameworks, and an increased incidence of unreported incidents are all plausible outcomes. The reliance on validated, measurable data for risk assessment and operational decision-making is fundamental to responsible maritime management; this trend introduces a layer of uncertainty that complicates those processes. Calibrated data streams relying on consistent reporting are increasingly crucial for climate indicators and understanding the broader ocean system.
Looking ahead, the widespread adoption of “going dark” tactics necessitates a multi-pronged response. Strengthening international cooperation to enforce maritime regulations, developing more resilient and secure tracking technologies, and fostering diplomatic solutions to de-escalate tensions in the region are all critical steps. The ability to accurately and consistently monitor maritime activity—a core component of ocean intelligence—is vital for ensuring the safety and security of global trade and maintaining the stability of the world’s oceans. A crucial question remains: how can the international community balance the need for maritime security with the respect for national sovereignty and the inherent complexities of geopolitical tensions in vital waterways like the Strait of Hormuz, and what new technologies or protocols might be needed to overcome this challenge?
More than 60% of commercial ships sailing from the Persian Gulf to India are switching off their tracking systems while passing through the Strait of Hormuz, as shipping companies try to reduce security risks in one of the world’s busiest and most important trade routes.
According to maritime intelligence firm Kpler, cited by NDTV, 45 of the 73 India-bound tankers and cargo ships that crossed the Strait of Hormuz between May 1 and June 25 turned off their Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders.
The practice, known as “going dark,” prevents ships from broadcasting their identity, location and destination.
The increase in dark voyages comes as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains uncertain following the recent US-Iran conflict and the fragile ceasefire that followed.
Although the United States and Iran signed a preliminary memorandum of understanding (MoU) to restore commercial navigation, they continue to disagree over who should control shipping through the strategic waterway.
Iran says commercial vessels should use routes approved by Tehran under a temporary navigation framework.
The United States and its allies, however, support an alternative route closer to Oman’s coastline. As a result, commercial traffic is now divided between the two corridors.
Kpler’s data shows that ships are turning off their AIS systems on both routes. Vessels flagged to countries that Iran sees as politically aligned with the West appear to prefer the Oman-side corridor, while others continue to use Iranian-controlled traffic separation lanes.
Only four India-flagged ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz during the period reviewed. Two switched off their tracking systems, while the other two continued broadcasting their identity even though they sailed through both the Iranian and Oman-side shipping lanes.
In a wider analysis, Kpler identified at least 69 India-bound vessels registered in countries including Panama, Liberia, the United Arab Emirates and the Marshall Islands that disabled their AIS transponders while crossing the strait.
Fourteen used the Oman-side route, while 10 travelled through Iranian-designated shipping lanes, showing that ships are going dark on both routes.
AIS is used by ships to share their identity, location, speed and destination with other vessels and maritime authorities. In high-risk areas, however, ship operators sometimes switch off the system to make it harder for others to track them.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has become more unpredictable since fighting in the region escalated earlier this year.
According to the report, Iran has repeatedly changed navigation guidance and, in some cases, commercial vessels have come under attack even after reportedly receiving permission to transit.
In April, the India-flagged very large crude carrier Sanmar Herald was attacked near Larak Island, where Iranian authorities manage maritime traffic.
Audio recordings that later surfaced reportedly captured the ship’s captain saying the vessel had received clearance from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) before it was attacked.
In early May, shipping companies increasingly started using a route closer to Oman’s coastline that was temporarily supported by the United States, Oman and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) through escorted convoys.
Although those escort operations were later scaled back, many ships have continued to use the route while keeping their AIS systems switched off.
Despite being seen as a relatively safer route because of its proximity to Omani waters and the presence of US naval forces, the Oman-side corridor has also seen security incidents.
In mid-May, an India-flagged cargo vessel reportedly sank near Limah, Oman, following what was described as a suspected Iranian attack.
The United States and Iran are still negotiating to turn their preliminary MoU into a permanent agreement, but tensions over control of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz continue.
According to the report, Iran targeted a cargo vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz near the Gulf of Oman over the weekend, prompting the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to temporarily suspend its evacuation plan for ships and seafarers stranded in the waterway.
It also led the United States to launch retaliatory strikes on Iranian missile and drone storage sites, as well as coastal radar installations. Washington accused Tehran of violating the ceasefire, while Iran said it was enforcing its authority over navigation in the waterway.
On Monday, Iran and Oman held their first formal talks on the future management of the Strait of Hormuz, through which around one-fifth of the world’s energy supplies pass.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Oman supported playing a role in managing the waterway as a coastal state and agreed that commercial vessels should be charged for services provided during transit.
References: moneycontrol, ndtv
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