Oil tankers increase ‘dark’ transits through Strait of Hormuz

Oil tanker transits through the Strait of Hormuz have increased significantly, with a notable rise in "dark" voyages where vessels disable their tracking systems. This trend, observed over the past year, coincides with heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Former US President Donald Trump stated this week that the US conducted a "secret mission" to facilitate crude oil movement through the strait, though specific details of this operation were not provided. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil supply, with approximately 20% of the world's total petroleum liquids consumption passing through it annually. The increase in dark transits suggests a deliberate effort by some shipping companies to obscure their routes, potentially due to concerns over security or sanctions. Analysts suggest this practice makes it harder to monitor oil flows and assess potential supply disruptions. The geopolitical climate, including ongoing conflicts and regional disputes, is cited as a primary driver for these increased transit numbers and the use of stealthier shipping practices.