Why did the Basrah Energy and Kiara M tankers switch off their trackers while exiting the Strait of Hormuz?

The two tankers switched off their trackers 'to avoid Iranian attacks', as stated in the news body, reflecting a rising trend among vessels carrying crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz amid regional conflict and security concerns.

What cargo did the Basrah Energy and Kiara M carry, and where were they headed?

The Basrah Energy, a very large crude carrier (VLCC), loaded 2 million barrels of Upper Zakum crude from ADNOC's Zirku terminal in Abu Dhabi and offloaded its cargo at the Fujairah Oil Tanker Terminals on May 8; the Kiara M, a San Marino-flagged VLCC, exited the Gulf with 2 million barrels of Iraqi crude aboard, but its discharge location was 'not immediately clear' according to the data.

Two More Crude Oil Tankers Exit Strait of Hormuz with Trackers Switched Off

May 10, 2026

Kpler data shows two crude oil tankers exited the Strait of Hormuz with transponders off to avoid Iranian attacks. This trend underscores security risks for Middle East oil exports amid regional conflict.

reuters

2026-05-10

Two More Crude Oil Tankers Exit Strait of Hormuz with Trackers Switched Off

2026-06-09

Kuwait's Oil Stocks Fall as Two Tankers Exit Gulf, Kpler Says

Two More Crude Oil Tankers Exit Strait of Hormuz with Trackers Switched Off

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