Introduction to Stateless IDs in Maritime Sanctions
The use of stateless identification numbers by shadow fleet tankers is becoming increasingly prevalent, particularly in the context of maritime sanctions. Recent data manipulation trends reveal that since June, seven tankers have changed their Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) numbers to include Maritime Identification Digits (MID) that are not allocated to any country.
Understanding MMSI and MID
Maritime authorities assign a unique nine-digit MMSI number to vessels for identification and communication via radio and AIS. The International Telecommunication Union, a UN agency, maintains an online database showing which MID is assigned to which country. By reviewing the MMSI number, particularly the MID, it is possible to determine where a ship claims to be flagged.
Case Studies of Stateless Tankers
For instance, a vessel transmitting an MMSI starting with ‘247’ is understood to be flagged with Italy, while a ‘261’ prefix would suggest Poland. The MID being used by sanctioned vessels is ‘646’, which is unallocated. One such ship, product tanker Symphony (imo-9309588/”>IMO: 9309588), began transmitting stateless MMSI numbers in June.
Symphony uses two entirely fake IMO numbers when transmitting messages with the fake MMSI numbers. It simultaneously transmits messages using its assigned IMO number and an MMSI affiliated with Comoros, suggesting it is using at least two different AIS systems.
Ian Ralby, chief executive of IR Consilium, noted that the use of MMSIs with no country link was a known tactic studied among criminals, but not well understood by those trying to stop these activities. “This strikes me as a conscious tactic to evade sanctions,” Ralby said. “There’s a lot of playing to the legal uncertainty around sanctions enforcement, as well as to the legal uncertainty around how to handle vessels without nationality or vessels with confusing or confounding flag registration or identification status.”
Another vessel using a ‘646’ MMSI is suezmax Swiftsea Rider (imo-9318539/”>IMO: 9318539), which was sanctioned by the EU in February after being designated by the UK in December. Swiftsea Rider uses this MMSI number intermittently throughout July while sailing through the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara.
Around this time, the vessel also starts using an MMSI suggesting it is flagged with Sudan. It is unclear if the MMSI relating to Sudan has been legitimately assigned. Fake ship registers are a booming business, supporting shadow fleet operations and enabling extreme flag hopping practices.
Conclusion
The use of stateless identification numbers by shadow fleet tankers highlights the evolving nature of data manipulation trends in the maritime industry. As authorities continue to crack down on deceptive shipping practices, it is essential for vessel operators and owners to ensure compliance with international regulations and standards.
Original Article: Shadow fleet tankers experiment with stateless identification numbers — Lloyd’s List