Vessels Bypass US Blockade In Strait Of Hormuz By Altering Tracking Data

At least two vessels reportedly passed through the Strait of Hormuz en route to Iranian ports after modifying their Automatic Identification System (AIS) data, despite a United States blockade on maritime traffic linked to Iran, according to a report by Lloyd’s List.

The report noted that some vessels altered their AIS destination signals while transiting the strategic waterway, masking their intended routes.

Two Iran-flagged container ships, initially indicating the southern port of Bandar Abbas as their destination, reportedly switched to the broader label ‘PG Ports’ (Persian Gulf ports) before continuing their journey.

After clearing the strait, the vessels resumed their course towards Bandar Abbas on Tuesday, highlighting potential gaps in monitoring mechanisms.

Analysts cited in the report suggested that such manoeuvres could complicate intelligence efforts linked to the blockade, requiring additional surveillance resources to track maritime activity bound for Iranian ports.

Meanwhile, the US Central Command confirmed that over 10,000 personnel, supported by warships and aircraft, are enforcing the blockade across Iranian ports and coastal regions, including areas along the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

Officials stated that several vessels had already complied with directives to turn back, while emphasising that the blockade applies to ships of all nationalities.

According to maritime data firm Kpler, at least nine commercial vessels have crossed the strait since Monday, even as overall traffic has sharply declined.

US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning, stating that any vessel approaching the blockade could face immediate action.

Daily traffic through the strait has dropped to less than 10 per cent of pre-conflict levels, following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran in February, significantly impacting one of the world’s busiest oil transit routes.

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