Oil Tankers Go ‘Dark’ as Hormuz Trade Adapts to Conflict
Oil tankers are increasingly switching off their Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, as shipowners seek to reduce security risks while maintaining crude exports through one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints. Reports indicate some vessels are using routes close to Oman’s coastline, where commercial shipping has continued despite heightened regional tensions.
The increase in “dark” voyages is reducing transparency in global oil flows, making it more difficult for traders and analysts to assess supply, inventories, and export destinations. The lack of visibility has added another layer of uncertainty to energy markets, where benchmark crude prices remain highly sensitive to geopolitical developments in the Gulf.
Maritime Security Concerns
The practice of ships going ‘dark’ could be disastrous for the maritime industry. According to Timothy Walker, senior researcher on maritime security at the Institute for Security Studies, the need for ships to always be mindful of safety and navigation is critical. “Something Iran is leveraging quite successfully by forcing many ships to choose between clear safety of transiting through this area and being located or being known to the Iranians is what plays on the minds of a lot of seafarers,” Walker said.
Risk-Taking in Global Oil Trade
“It’s something that’s increasingly happening. We are seeing an increasingly number of ships prepared to take the risk, provided they think they can not be seen,” Walker added. The trend highlights the challenges faced by global oil traders as they navigate the complex and volatile energy landscape. With benchmark crude prices remaining highly sensitive to geopolitical developments in the Gulf, the lack of transparency in oil flows is likely to continue posing significant risks for market participants.
As the situation evolves, it remains to be seen how the maritime industry will adapt to these new challenges. In the meantime, traders and analysts will need to rely on alternative data sources to assess supply, inventories, and export destinations, adding another layer of complexity to an already volatile energy market.
Original Article: Oil tankers go ‘Dark’ as Hormuz trade adapts to conflict — Co