Windward: 11 LNG tankers are transmitting AIS in the Gulf

March 26 ------ Maritime activity across the Arabian Gulf remains constrained but operationally active, with over 600 foreign-flagged vessels currently transmitting AIS in the region, Windward explains.

While large-scale commercial flows continue, vessel behavior indicates sustained disruption, including elevated dark activity, reduced anchoring durations, and shifting routing patterns under heightened geopolitical control, according to Windward’s analysis as of 23 March.

Controlled transit through the Strait of Hormuz

Iran continues to enforce selective control over transit through the Strait of Hormuz, enabling vessel movement through IRGC-controlled corridors within its territorial waters. Over the past three days, multiple vessels have transited using this alternative routing, including LPG carriers, bulk carriers transporting agricultural cargo, and vessels linked to energy flows toward China and regional actors.

A 26-year-old, falsely flagged LNG carrier was identified as a zombie vessel that transited the Strait on March 20 before switching off its AIS. The vessel had previously been listed as “broken up” in the Equasis database, indicating identity reuse and deceptive shipping practices. Its first signal in the region appeared on March 13 at Hamriyah anchorage in the UAE, despite records showing it had been sent to Alang for shipbreaking in October.

The U.S.-sanctioned tanker North Star (IMO 9299563) transited the Strait on March 20, sailing toward Asia after receiving coverage under a temporary sanctions waiver for Iranian cargoes already in transit. The vessel was sanctioned less than a month prior, and its successful passage highlights how recent regulatory adjustments are enabling specific sanctioned cargoes to move despite broader restrictions.

On March 22, a small containership signaling “all crew China” transited the corridor, alongside the LPG carrier Meda (IMO 8818219), which regularly calls at the Houthi-controlled port.

Meanwhile, two LPG carriers were observed transiting in coordinated movement on March 23 while signaling crew nationality, suggesting deliberate identification aligned with approved passage conditions.

Three bulk carriers also moved through the corridor, including one westbound vessel signaling “cargo food for Iran,” indicating that agricultural supply flows into Imam Khomeini port are being maintained under controlled conditions. "Select energy commodities for Pakistan, along with crude flows to China and Houthi-linked destinations in Yemen, are also receiving transit authorization. Together, these movements illustrate a structured transit environment in which access is granted based on cargo type, destination, and geopolitical alignment, rather than open commercial navigation," Windward highlights.

LNG, LPG and container activity

Gas and container flows continue to reflect the depth of disruption across both energy distribution and global trade lanes. Currently, 11 LNG tankers are transmitting AIS in the Gulf, representing a 17.2% decline compared to the 7-day average. LPG exports have dropped to approximately 240,000 barrels per day, just 10% of the seasonal average of 1.2 million barrels per day.

Container vessel activity remains similarly constrained, with 38 vessels recorded, reflecting a 12.8% decrease compared to the 7-day average. Together, these figures point to sustained suppression of both gas exports and containerized trade across the region.

Vessel activity trends

Operational behavior across the Gulf shows shifting patterns over the past three days. The decline in prolonged anchoring and dark activity suggests increased operational movement, while consistent identity manipulation indicates continued deceptive shipping practices.

Source: safety4sea.com