Hormuz Tensions Choke Global Oil Supply as Tankers Go Dark

Renewed tensions between the US and Iran have caused oil tankers to disable their tracking systems while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about global energy supply chains. The Strait is one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints, and tanker traffic has collapsed in recent weeks. According to preliminary data from Kpler, only six vessels managed to clear the strait on a recent Sunday, all operating in 'dark mode' to avoid detection.

Maritime intelligence firm Windward reported that eight dark vessels were active in the area on July 12, none transmitting AIS (Automatic Identification System) positioning signals. The re-emergence of dark-mode transit stands in contrast to the rising flow of tankers and LNG carriers that had been transmitting AIS signals in the weeks following the signing of the US-Iran memorandum of understanding.

As tensions escalated further, tanker owners and operators willing to navigate the chokepoint began switching off their positioning data entirely, making real-time tracking of energy flows through the strait extremely difficult. The UAE, Iraq, and other Gulf producers have all increased shipments of oil, LNG, and LPG on dark-mode tankers in recent weeks, further obscuring the true volume of energy moving through the region.