Supertankers Turn Off Transponders Amid Middle East Security Risks

Tankers carrying oil through the Middle East have increasingly turned off their transponders to avoid detection, making it difficult for trackers to monitor cargo movements.

The Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb strait are key chokepoints in global trade, with vessels often going dark for days or even weeks while crossing them. According to Signal Ocean data, 62% of tankers crossed the Hormuz dark between July 14 and early August.

This trend has been observed since Iran-related security risks persisted and Houthi threats grew, with shipowners choosing to conceal their locations due to highly profitable freight rates.