Three India-linked supertankers recently re-emerged in the Gulf of Oman after passing through the Strait of Hormuz [1].
This movement indicates a potential increase in bi-directional maritime traffic across the northern and southern routes of the strait. The activity occurs amid conflicting reports regarding the current status and safety of transits through this critical energy corridor [1, 2].
The vessels were observed between late May and early June [3, 4, 1]. Some reports identify the ships as three fully laden India-linked supertankers [1]. Other accounts from late May described the vessels as three liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers [3].
Tracking data suggests some vessels operated with limited visibility. Two supertankers reportedly exited the strait with their transponders turned off [4]. One LNG tanker also exited the area with its transponder disabled [4].
The cargoes and destinations for these ships varied by report. One supertanker was identified as carrying Iraqi crude oil destined for China [3]. Other vessels in the group were reported to be heading toward Pakistan, China, and India [3].
The re-emergence of these ships in the Gulf of Oman highlights the continued flow of energy resources despite regional tensions. The use of disabled transponders is a known tactic to obscure vessel movements in sensitive waters, a practice that often complicates the monitoring of global oil and gas flows [4].
“Three India-linked supertankers recently re-emerged in the Gulf of Oman”
The movement of these tankers suggests that energy shipments to major Asian economies continue despite the volatile security environment in the Strait of Hormuz. The discrepancy in reports regarding whether the ships carried crude oil or LNG, combined with the use of 'dark' transponders, underscores the challenges of maritime surveillance and the strategic efforts by nations to maintain energy security through non-transparent shipping routes.
