Amid escalating tensions and growing security concerns in the Middle East, two additional supertankers carrying close to 4 million barrels of crude oil reportedly passed through the Strait of Hormuz last week while keeping their tracking systems switched off. The unusual move highlights increasing efforts by oil exporters and shipping operators to continue the flow of crude shipments from the Gulf region despite fears of possible Iranian attacks targeting commercial vessels.
According to shipping data provided by Kpler, the latest incidents reflect a broader and growing pattern among oil producers and buyers attempting to safeguard exports while avoiding potential threats linked to the ongoing regional conflict. The decision to disable tracking transponders is seen as a precautionary tactic aimed at reducing the visibility of these vessels while they travel through one of the world’s most strategically important and sensitive maritime routes.
One of the vessels involved was the very large crude carrier (VLCC) Basrah Energy, which was loaded with around 2 million barrels of Upper Zakum crude oil at Abu Dhabi National Oil Co’s (ADNOC’s) Zirku terminal on May 1. Shipping records showed that the tanker later exited the Strait of Hormuz on May 6 while operating with limited visibility. The vessel, sailing under the Panama flag, subsequently discharged its cargo at the Fujairah Oil Tanker Terminals on May 8, according to the tracking data.
Authorities and shipping analysts have not yet confirmed which company chartered the Basrah Energy tanker. The vessel is owned and managed by shipping company Sinokor, although the company did not immediately respond to requests for comment made outside regular office hours.
In recent weeks, ADNOC and several of its buyers have reportedly increased the use of tankers to transport crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz in an attempt to prevent supplies from becoming stranded in the Gulf region due to instability caused by the Middle East conflict. The ongoing tensions have raised concerns across global energy markets, especially because the Strait of Hormuz serves as a critical passageway for a significant portion of the world’s oil exports.
In a separate development, another VLCC identified as the Kiara M was also reported to have exited the Gulf on Sunday while its transponder system was switched off. Kpler data indicated that the tanker, which sails under the San Marino flag, was carrying approximately 2 million barrels of Iraqi crude oil.
However, it remains unclear where the Kiara M is expected to unload its cargo. The lack of tracking information and the deliberate disabling of vessel transponders have made it difficult for analysts and maritime observers to determine the tanker’s final destination.
The repeated use of such tactics by oil tankers underscores mounting anxiety within the shipping and energy industries over the possibility of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but vital shipping lane that plays a central role in global crude oil transportation.
