Tankers Go Dark Longer Amid Middle East Tensions

Supertankers carrying non-Iranian crude oil have started going dark for longer periods while transiting through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb strait, echoing tactics used during the early days of the Iran conflict. This tactic involves turning off their transponders to avoid detection.

According to reports, these vessels typically went dark for just a few hours when transiting through Hormuz in late February. However, they are now doubling down on this tactic and staying 'dark' for longer periods.

The move is seen as an attempt to minimize the risk of being targeted by potential adversaries in the region.