Unusual AIS Broadcasts Reflect Ongoing Maritime Tension
Maritime analytics firm Windward reports that between June 12 and 24, a total of 55 vessels transmitted 101 atypical nationality-related messages while traversing the Strait of Hormuz and adjacent waters. These broadcasts included designations like “China owned,” “Russian crude,” and “vessel no link Israel,” aiming to create a perception of neutrality and reduce the likelihood of being targeted amid elevated regional risks.
The practice began after a brief, 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran in early June, which triggered U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Though a ceasefire was brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, maritime risk remains high, particularly for vessels associated with the United States, the United Kingdom, or Israel.
Windward CEO Ami Daniel explained that shipowners believe AIS ownership and nationality data can be misleading, and that attesting ownership to countries such as China and Russia, perceived as less likely to be targeted, may offer some protection.
Real-World Examples of Deceptive Broadcasts
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The Panama-flagged container vessel Yuan Xiang Fa Zhan, en route to Pakistan, transmitted “PKKHI all Chinese” while passing through the Strait.
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China-flagged supertanker Yuan Yang Hu, carrying Saudi crude destined for China, initially broadcast “Chinese ship”, then switched to “CN NBG” (the call sign of Ningbo–Zhoushan port) after clearing the strait.
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A Singapore-flagged vessel, Kota Cabar, signalled “Vsl no link Israel” while transiting the Red Sea.
The Joint Maritime Information Center noted that commercial vessel traffic surged by 30 percent on June 24, a day after the ceasefire was declared, highlighting the strategic importance of the Strait for global oil and gas movement. Around one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
In parallel, shipping risk indicators reflect growing concern. Supertankers such as the Coswisdom Lake and South Loyalty executed abrupt U‑turns or altered slicing routes to avoid the strait, following U.S. strikes on Iran. Freight rates for VLCCs surpassed USD 60,000 per day, more than doubling in seven days. Entry and exit of tankers from the Gulf declined respectively by 32 percent and 27 percent over early May levels.
Ships in the region have endured GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) jamming, compromising navigation systems and raising collision hazards. Iran’s parliament has voted to authorize closure of the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation, pending approval by the Supreme National Security Council, though a full blockade has not yet materialized.
AIS-based nationality deception illustrates how shipping operators are adapting to heightened geopolitical risk in real time. As the ceasefire remains tenuous and Iran maintains the option of closing the strait, vessel owners are balancing route efficiency with security imperatives. Analysts warn that protracted maritime disruption could drive oil prices above USD 100 per barrel.
Going forward, continued monitoring of AIS messaging patterns, GNSS interference incidents, and tanker route adjustments will be critical indicators of maritime risk escalation in this strategically vital corridor.
