Three tankers carrying Iraqi crude oil transited the Strait of Hormuz with their tracking systems disabled during the first ten days of May to avoid potential maritime threats. According to reports, the vessels took these measures to mitigate risks of interference while navigating the strategic waterway.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that according to Reuters, two Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs), the "Agios Fanourios I" and "Kiara M," each carrying 2 million barrels of Iraqi oil, passed through the strait on May 10 with their transponders turned off. Additionally, the "Basrah Energy" tanker performed a similar maneuver on May 1 after loading 2 million barrels of oil. The "Agios Fanourios I" is currently en route to Vietnam to discharge its cargo at the Nghi Son refinery, having previously faced delays after loading "Basrah Medium" crude on April 17.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most vital maritime chokepoints, through which approximately one-fifth of the world's total oil consumption passes daily. Tensions in the region often prompt commercial vessels to disable their Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) to obscure their movements and enhance security against potential seizures or attacks. This practice highlights the ongoing volatility in Middle Eastern waters and its direct impact on global energy logistics and maritime safety protocols.
