Dark Tanker Surge Increases Oil Spill Risks in Hormuz

A surge in dark oil tankers disabling tracking transponders to evade military strikes and drone attacks has significantly increased the risk of catastrophic oil spills in the Strait of Hormuz. Since March 1, Kpler recorded 1,514 dark crossings by approximately 300 ships, many of which are uninsured and operating outside the standards mandated by the International Maritime Organization.

This trend coincides with three active oil slicks across the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. A projectile hit a cargo vessel near Qeshm Island, Iran, on August 3, causing a spill that the Department of Environment reported was 80 percent contained by August 21. A second slick was identified near Sirri Island, an oil and gas hub.

The largest spill covers 400 to 500 square miles and originated from the Caroline Bezengi, a Russian shadow fleet tanker. The vessel ran aground off Oman in June following an explosion, impacting the Turtle Coast nature reserve. Experts warn that these wartime survival tactics and illicit shipping practices are eroding situational awareness in one of the world's most congested waterways, threatening sensitive marine ecosystems.