Vessels Turn Off Location Devices, Increasing Collision Risk in Strait of Hormuz
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Vessels Turn Off Location Devices, Increasing Collision Risk in Strait of Hormuz
- The Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global energy trade, has seen a significant increase in vessels navigating with their Automatic Identification System (AIS) devices turned off, leading to heightened risks of collisions and oil spills.
- This practice has become more prevalent since the escalation of conflict in the region, with Iran reportedly attacking vessels and laying sea mines since February 28, 2026.
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The Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime choke point through which approximately 25% of the world’s seaborne oil trade and 20% of its liquefied natural gas passed before the current conflict, is experiencing severe operational stress. Since February 28, 2026, Iran has largely blocked commercial shipping through the strait in retaliation for air attacks by the United States and Israel.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued warnings, boarded and attacked merchant ships, and reportedly laid sea mines. As a result, many vessels are now transiting the strait with their AIS devices, which broadcast their location, turned off to evade detection and potential attacks. While this tactic aims to increase security from hostile actions, it significantly elevates the risk of maritime collisions, particularly in a narrow and busy waterway.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) declared the Strait of Hormuz too dangerous for commercial vessels to transit as of July 15, 2026. Despite claims by some U.S. officials that the strait is open and a high number of tankers are transiting, independent tracking data and satellite imagery indicate much lower traffic, with some days seeing single-digit numbers or no tankers transiting. For example, on August 16, 2026, only one vessel transited the strait compared to a pre-crisis baseline of 73 per day.
The ongoing conflict has led to a global fuel crisis, and at least 17 commercial sailors have been killed in and around Iranian and Omani waters as of August 18, 2026. The maritime security assessment continues to warn of risks from drifting or uncharted mines and persistent GPS interference. Iran has established a “safe” shipping corridor for approved and paid transits, routed close to Iran’s Larak Island for visual checks by the IRGC Navy. However, the overall situation remains volatile, with a severe threat level and deliberate hostile action considered highly likely.