Tankers Turn Off Navigation Systems Amid Iranian Attacks, Raising Oil Spill Fears

Oil tankers are increasingly turning off their advanced navigation equipment to avoid Iranian attacks in the Persian Gulf, raising concerns about the risk of oil spills.

The practice, known as 'going dark', has become more common since March 1, with over 1,514 instances reported by maritime data firm Kpler. This increase is worrying experts, who point out that situational awareness declines when more ships become invisible.

The risk of oil spills is further exacerbated by the narrow and congested waterway of the Strait of Hormuz, where transparency is reduced. One oil spill has already reached Iran's Qeshm Island and its mangrove ecosystems, with another affecting a nature reserve in Oman after the Caroline Bezengi tanker ran aground.

The risks are also linked to the reliance on transponders by ship captains, who have become accustomed to using this technology since it was mandated by the UN in 2004. Turning off these systems means reverting to older navigation methods, increasing exposure to collisions and spills.