Nearly 62% [1] of commercial tankers and cargo vessels sailing from the Persian Gulf to India disabled their AIS transponders this month while transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
This widespread tactical shift indicates a significant escalation in perceived risk for maritime trade. By switching off their Automatic Identification Systems, ships effectively "go dark," making them harder to track and target amid heightened tensions involving Iran.
The Strait of Hormuz serves as the narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea. Vessels are adopting this invisibility strategy to lower the risk of being targeted by Iranian attacks on commercial shipping [2].
Recent shipping data reflects a volatile environment for India's imports. In one reported week, the Indian government said four cargo ships carrying fertilizer successfully crossed the strait [3]. Earlier this month, 34 Indian- and foreign-flagged ships were reported to be awaiting safe passage following the crossing of the LNG carrier Disha [4].
The practice of disabling transponders is typically a last-resort safety measure used in conflict zones. While it reduces electronic visibility, it can increase the risk of collisions in the congested waterway. The trend underscores the fragility of energy and commodity supply chains that rely on this specific maritime corridor.
Maritime analysts monitor these patterns to gauge the stability of the region. The decision for a majority of India-bound vessels to hide their positions suggests that standard security protocols are no longer deemed sufficient to ensure crew and cargo safety [1].
“Nearly 62% of commercial tankers and cargo vessels sailing from the Persian Gulf to India disabled their AIS transponders”
The decision by a majority of India-bound shipping to disable tracking systems highlights a critical vulnerability in the global supply chain. When commercial vessels prioritize stealth over standard maritime safety protocols, it signals that the threat of state-sponsored interference has outweighed the operational risks of navigating a narrow strait without active identification. This trend may lead to increased insurance premiums and diverted trade routes if the security situation in the Persian Gulf does not stabilize.
