Ships Disguise as Chinese Vessels to Navigate Iran's Hormuz Strait Blockade

As Iran effectively blockades the Strait of Hormuz, global tankers are evading Iranian targeting by disguising themselves as Chinese vessels or switching off their Automatic Identification Systems (AIS).

According to The Guardian, only two ships unaffiliated with Iran or Russia passed through the Strait of Hormuz between June 6 and 10. The Liberian-flagged tanker Sinocean broadcast "Chinese owner, all Chinese crew" on its AIS information field throughout its passage after loading cargo in the UAE.

On June 4, the bulk carrier Iron Maiden also transmitted signals indicating Chinese affiliation before exiting the blockaded waters. On May 28, the first day of the war, the fuel tanker Bogazici entered "Muslim vessel Turkey" into its AIS while transiting the strait, only reverting to its original name after reaching safe waters.

Another Liberian-flagged vessel, Sunlong, cut its last position signal within the Strait of Hormuz while en route to India, then arrived at Mumbai port on June 11. The Hindustan Times reported this "suggests the AIS was turned off to avoid detection in the danger zone."

Cases of Chinese vessels actually transiting the strait have also been confirmed. According to vessel tracking site MarineTraffic, the Skywave, owned by an Indian paper company, passed through the Strait of Hormuz on June 11. The vessel, a sanctions-linked ship that loaded crude oil at Iran's Kharg Island, cut its AIS signal immediately after transiting the strait.

Industry observers speculate that behind-the-scenes negotiations may have taken place between Iran and China. Reuters reported that China appears to be in talks with Iran to secure safe passage for crude oil and LNG carriers through the Strait of Hormuz. Ramani Fazli, Iran's ambassador to China, stated that "passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be regulated, but this is different from closing the strait."

Tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz remain ongoing. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps has launched successive attacks on vessels including the Thai-flagged cargo ship Mayuri Nari and the Liberian-flagged, Israeli-owned Express Room. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that three vessels were hit off the UAE coast.

CNN reported that Iran has begun laying mines in the strait, with potentially dozens to hundreds being deployed. U.S. President Trump said on June 11, "We eliminated most of the minelayers overnight," adding that "oil companies need to use the Strait of Hormuz."

The Strait of Hormuz, which typically sees around 100 vessels pass through daily, has experienced a sharp decline in traffic since the war began. Most vessels currently transiting the strait are either Iran's "shadow fleet" or Russia-linked ships under Western sanctions. Analysts warn that a prolonged blockade of the strait—through which approximately 20% of the world's oil supply passes—would inevitably shock international oil prices and global energy supply chains.