Tankers are increasingly going "dark" for extended periods to transport oil through strategic Middle East waterways, employing tactics reminiscent of earlier conflict phases. Vessels carrying non-Iranian crude began switching off their Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders shortly after the conflict began in late February. Initially, this "going dark" period lasted only a few hours during transits of the Strait of Hormuz. However, the duration of these periods has significantly lengthened, doubling down on the strategy to avoid detection. This tactic is being used to navigate through both the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb strait, crucial chokepoints for global oil shipments. The extended periods of invisibility are a direct response to heightened geopolitical tensions and potential risks associated with these vital shipping lanes.

This escalation in evasive maneuvers highlights the growing challenges and risks faced by oil tankers operating in the region. The prolonged periods without transponder signals make tracking these vessels significantly more difficult for authorities and potentially for adversaries. The strategy suggests a calculated effort by shipping companies to mitigate risks and ensure the continued flow of oil, even under duress. The "going dark" tactic, once a brief measure, has become a more substantial part of operational security for tankers in the Middle East.