Key facts
- At least 56 tankers are covertly shipping oil via the Strait of Hormuz.
- These tankers are conducting ship-to-ship transfers.
- The oil originates from Gulf nations.
- The operations support exports from Arab nations neighboring Iran.
- The vessels operate in digital darkness to avoid detection.
- TankerTrackers.com provided the tracking data.
According to tracking firm TankerTrackers.com, a minimum of 56 tankers are engaged in covert ship-to-ship transfers of oil originating from Gulf nations. These operations are strategically conducted to support exports from Arab countries that share a border with Iran. The vessels involved transit the critical Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global oil trade. To evade detection, these tankers operate in what is described as "digital darkness," meaning their tracking signals are intentionally obscured or turned off. This clandestine method of oil transfer allows the exporting nations to potentially bypass international sanctions or other trade restrictions that might otherwise impede their oil sales. The practice highlights a sophisticated network of operations aimed at maintaining oil export flows despite external pressures.