Navigating the Strait of Hormuz: Commercial Vessels Adopt Dark Mode Amid Tensions

As tensions escalate in the Strait of Hormuz, a limited number of commercial vessels are adopting dark mode tactics to navigate safely. This strategy involves turning off their AIS systems to reduce visibility and risks from Iranian forces. Despite the dangers, successful transits have provided a much-needed relief for global energy markets. The US military is actively coordinating with these vessels, offering guidance and support. However, the number of ships making the journey has drastically declined, raising concerns about costs and safety. This article delves into the complexities of navigating this critical waterway amidst geopolitical challenges.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 1, 2026, 09:42 IST

Navigating Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz

In light of rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a limited number of commercial ships are still traversing this vital waterway by employing unconventional strategies and closely collaborating with the US military, as reported by a leading news outlet. The report indicates that certain vessels, including large crude oil and liquefied natural gas carriers, are operating in what is termed "dark mode," which involves disabling their Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) to minimize electronic visibility and reduce the likelihood of being targeted by Iranian forces. Typically, AIS transponders are utilized by ships to communicate their location and prevent collisions, but turning them off significantly complicates electronic tracking.

According to the report, shipowners and US officials have confirmed that vessels navigating the strait maintain communication with American military personnel, who utilize radar, drones, and surveillance systems to monitor maritime traffic and offer guidance during crossings. The US military has been advising commercial ships on when to switch to dark mode and how to react to potential threats from Iran while navigating this crucial oil transit route.

A Lifeline for Global Trade

The successful passage of even a few vessels has provided what the report describes as a "tiny relief valve" for global energy markets, which have been unsettled by concerns over disruptions in the Gulf. Some of these ships have reportedly utilized a route through the Persian Gulf that was previously secured under a US-led initiative known as "Project Freedom," which involved naval and air escorts for commercial traffic. Although this operation was later suspended following Iranian attacks on vessels and restrictions imposed by Saudi Arabia on US military access, American forces had already established a relatively safer corridor by clearing mines using underwater robotic systems.

Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for the US Central Command, stated that the military is "continually communicating and coordinating with ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz." The report also noted that US forces recently destroyed Iranian mine-laying boats and targeted missile and drone sites in what officials characterized as defensive actions aimed at safeguarding maritime traffic.

Greek Supertanker Breaks Through

Among the vessels that successfully navigated the strait was a Greek-owned supertanker carrying around two million barrels of crude oil. This tanker had reportedly been stranded in the Persian Gulf since early March before finally departing earlier this week. By maintaining contact with US officials, it sailed along Oman's coastline and is currently en route to India. The report indicated that Greek shipowners whose vessels have successfully crossed the strait are now receiving inquiries from customers seeking similar arrangements for their cargo shipments.

Only a Handful of Ships Making the Journey

Data from a maritime intelligence firm revealed that fewer than five vessels per day have undertaken dark transits through Hormuz since March 2, a stark contrast to the usual more than 100 ships that cross the strait daily. Most commercial vessels continue to follow the shipping lane designated by Iran along the northern side of the waterway, close to the Iranian coastline. Traffic through the strait has frequently slowed or nearly halted during military escalations, including recent US strikes on Iranian missile and drone infrastructure.

The report also highlighted the case of Vicstar, a Chinese-owned vessel transporting fertilizer from the United Arab Emirates to Brazil, which reportedly completed a dark transit on May 17 after being stranded in the Gulf for nearly three months.

Mounting Costs, Growing Risks

Delays are proving to be costly for shipping companies. Maritime analysts noted that operators of large crude carriers incur daily expenses ranging from $10,000 to $15,000 on fuel, maintenance, and crew costs while vessels remain idle. Insurance premiums have also surged, and crews are receiving additional compensation for operating in a war-risk zone. However, industry experts caution that dark sailing carries significant risks. Without AIS signals, ships cannot easily identify nearby vessels electronically and must rely heavily on radar systems and crew judgment to avoid accidents. "There are obviously safety and security risks" associated with dark sailing, Claire Jungman, director of maritime risk and intelligence at a maritime analytics firm, stated.

Insurance companies are divided on the practice; some impose higher premiums for vessels under naval protection, arguing that military escorts could make ships more visible targets, while others offer discounts, viewing the escorts as an added layer of security. According to the report, insurance costs for ships transiting Hormuz have surged to between 2.5% and 4% of a vessel's value, compared to approximately 0.25% during peacetime. Meanwhile, Iran has reportedly maintained during ongoing negotiations that it should retain a role in regulating vessel traffic through the strait and could potentially seek to impose tolls on commercial shipping.