Selective tanker exits: AIS masking and blockade reversals in the Strait

Tanker movements resume in the Strait of Hormuz amidst Iranian claims of "managed protocols." While the Eneos Endeavor and Yuan Hua Hu successfully cleared the Gulf using tactical AIS deactivation, other vessels like the Agios Fanourios I were forced into U-turns by the US blockade. The divergence in transit success highlights the volatile security landscape facing Asian refiners.

Iranian semi-official Fars News Agency reported on Thursday that the country allowed approximately 30 vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with "Iranian management protocols" a move following diplomatic requests from Beijing to facilitate shipping for strategic partners. While the full identity of all vessels has not been released, Kpler identified transit of 11 vessels, including 5 LPG tankers and 2 VLCC crude tankers. With possible case of vessels transiting without AIS signals, we may identify more vessels later.

Japanese Crude Carriers: Rare Transits

Japanese refiner Eneos has confirmed that the VLCC Eneos Endeavor successfully cleared the Strait on Thursday. This marks only the second Japanese crude carrier to transit the waterway since the conflict began in late February, following the Idemitsu Maru in April.

• Logistics & Cargo: The vessel is carrying approximately 1.2 million barrels of Kuwaiti crude and 700,000 barrels of Emirati (Das) crude, loaded in late February and stranded inside the Gulf for over two months.
• "Dark" Passage: Unlike the Idemitsu Maru, which broadcasted its position throughout its transit, the Eneos Endeavor deactivated its AIS transponder on 9 May near the Dubai Lightering zone. It reappeared off the coast of Muscat, Oman, on the evening of 13 May, providing no public record of its specific route through the Strait.
• Current Status: The vessel has reached the Arabian Sea, successfully clearing the US blockade line, and is currently signaling as Kiire as its destination.