UAE and Buyers Move Oil Tankers with AIS Off Through Strait of Hormuz to Avoid Iranian Attacks
The United Arab Emirates and their buyers recently sent several tankers through the Strait of Hormuz with AIS trackers switched off to reduce the risk of attacks by Iran. This tactic allows bypassing some restrictions on oil supply from the Persian Gulf amid rising tensions in the region.
According to sources, this move is part of a larger effort to support oil supplies despite the conflict in the Middle East. The UAE’s typical business operations have been affected by the war between the United States, Israel, and Iran, but they illustrate the risks producers and buyers are willing to take to support oil supplies.
ADNOC Exports and Risk Assessment
In April, ADNOC exported at least 4 million barrels of Upper Zakum crude and 2 million barrels of Das on four tankers from terminals inside the Persian Gulf. These figures are confirmed by sources and by Kpler’s vessel-tracking data together with SynMax’s analysis.
According to three sources familiar with the situation and ADNOC operations, and according to Kpler and SynMax, cargos were either transferred ship-to-ship (STS) and then delivered to refineries in Southeast Asia, or unloaded in storage facilities in Oman, or sent directly to refineries in South Korea. This highlights the risks faced by ADNOC’s shipments, which are at risk of attacks by Iran.
Context and Supply Risks
The UAE government has accused Iran of using drones to attack the empty ADNOC Barakah tanker, which was transiting the Strait of Hormuz. As ships move with AIS transponders turned off, this reduces the likelihood that they will be spotted by Iranian forces. This tactic is commonly used by Iran to circumvent U.S. sanctions on oil exports.
Because trackers are absent, the real scale of oil exports is hard to gauge, and actual volumes may be higher. The situation underscores the importance of transparent monitoring and international coordination to reduce risks to global energy security.
In this context, the “Epic Rage” operation against Iran began on February 28. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on May 5 that the United States had completed the military operation against Iran and had moved to a new phase of actions in the Middle East. The U.S. president also announced a temporary pause of the operation under the “Freedom” project to ensure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that the risks faced by oil supplies are significant, and international cooperation will be crucial in reducing these risks and ensuring global energy security.
Original Article: UAE and buyers moved oil tankers with AIS off through Strait of Hormuz to avoid Iranian attacks — Mezha