UAE’s ADNOC Sends Another LNG Carrier To India Through Hormuz In ‘Dark Mode’
Our take
The recent incident involving the UAE's ADNOC sending an LNG carrier to India in "dark mode" raises significant questions about maritime transparency and the geopolitical landscape of energy supply chains. As reported, the vessel ceased transmitting its AIS tracking signal on May 2 while idling near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil and gas transportation. This action echoes broader trends in maritime operations, where strategies of opacity are increasingly utilized to navigate complex geopolitical tensions. Notably, the implications of such maneuvers are layered, particularly in the context of recent events such as the U.S. Sanctions Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority Controlling Hormuz Vessel Transit, which aim to limit Iranian influence over the critical waterways.
The decision to operate in dark mode can be interpreted as both a tactical maneuver and a response to geopolitical pressures. By concealing the vessel's location, ADNOC might be attempting to mitigate risks associated with potential sanctions or hostile actions that could arise from heightened scrutiny. The Strait of Hormuz has long been a flashpoint in regional tensions, and the movement of LNG carriers through this area underlines the ongoing complexities of energy trade. As nations like Iran tighten their grip on maritime transit routes, the need for secure and reliable energy supplies becomes more pressing than ever. This situation mirrors the findings from our recent article, Earth’s orbital wobble triggered rapid climate chaos during the dinosaur age, where environmental instability prompted shifts in global dynamics, suggesting that today's geopolitical shifts may also have long-lasting effects on energy security.
Moreover, the implications extend beyond immediate energy supply concerns. Operating vessels in dark mode complicates the already intricate picture of maritime safety and environmental stewardship. The lack of real-time data on ship movements can hinder effective monitoring of activities that may pose threats to marine ecosystems. This is particularly relevant in light of the increasing urgency surrounding ocean health and climate indicators, as discussed in our article, Arctic Ocean passed a tipping point and scientists say it may never recover. As the climate crisis escalates, the need for transparent and responsible maritime practices becomes paramount. The consequences of failing to prioritize ocean stewardship could reverberate through the global economy and environmental health.
Looking ahead, the actions of ADNOC and other players in the energy sector should prompt serious consideration of the balance between operational secrecy and the necessity for transparency in global shipping. As nations grapple with energy security in a polarized geopolitical climate, the maritime industry must reflect on its practices and the potential implications for environmental and economic stability. Will we see a shift towards more transparent operations, or will dark mode become a prevalent strategy in navigating geopolitical waters? This question is critical as the world moves forward, highlighting the intersection of maritime trade, energy security, and environmental accountability. As stakeholders in energy and environmental sectors, we must remain vigilant and engaged to ensure that our oceans are protected while still meeting the demands of a complex and changing world.
Another liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier operated by Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (ADNOC) has passed through the Strait of Hormuz.
The LNG carrier Umm Al Ashtan, managed by ADNOC Logistics & Services, reappeared northwest of Muscat, Oman, carrying cargo and listing India as its destination, according to ship-tracking data cited by Bloomberg.
The vessel had stopped transmitting its AIS tracking signal around May 2 while empty and waiting near the eastern entrance to the Strait of Hormuz.
Satellite images cited by Bloomberg showed the ship likely loaded LNG at ADNOC’s Das Island export terminal inside the Persian Gulf during the period it was not broadcasting its position.
The images also showed LNG carriers docking at Das Island even though no vessels near the terminal were publicly transmitting their locations.
The strait has remained largely closed to LNG traffic since fighting began in late February, affecting a major global LNG trade route.
Bloomberg earlier reported that ADNOC had been using some of its own vessels to move cargoes through Hormuz in so-called “dark mode”, where ships temporarily switch off AIS tracking signals while passing through sensitive waters.
ADNOC has exported three other cargoes from the Persian Gulf using vessels that stopped transmitting signals while crossing the strait, Bloomberg reported. One of those vessels is currently docking in western India.
Other tankers have also recently crossed Hormuz. Earlier this week, two LNG carriers were sailing toward Pakistan and China, while at least one very large crude carrier exited the Persian Gulf and is now heading to China.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes for crude oil and LNG exports.
Despite the recent increase in traffic, LNG shipments through Hormuz remain well below normal levels.
Before the conflict, around three LNG carriers crossed the strait daily, most carrying cargoes from Qatar.
The disruption has affected ADNOC’s export operations and prompted the company to accelerate plans to expand pipeline capacity bypassing Hormuz.
Earlier this month, ADNOC announced plans to build a new pipeline to Fujairah, outside the Strait of Hormuz, to increase export capacity.
ADNOC has also warned that the impact of the conflict on global energy supplies could continue into 2027.
ADNOC Logistics & Services said it does not comment on the routing or movements of its vessels as a matter of policy.
References: Oil Price, thehindubusinessline
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