Commercial Ships Modify Identities Near Strait of Hormuz

Reports indicate that commercial vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz are identifying as Chinese-owned or employing Chinese crews to stave off potential assaults from Iran. According to the Associated Press, at least eight ships were located in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.

These vessels have adjusted their transponder signals to relay messages like “China Owner” or “China Owner & Crew,” which typically denote a ship’s next destination. Some of these ships, it turns out, are genuinely flagged under China or have identifiable links to Chinese proprietors, making it easier for them to traverse the Strait without incident.

Tehran has reportedly assured China, its main trading partner and ally, that vessels associated with China wouldn’t face attacks while passing through the Strait of Hormuz. This comes amid concerns regarding Iran’s military actions, particularly since the onset of Operation Epic Fury on February 28, which has notably damaged numerous civilian vessels and resulted in at least one fatality.

Interestingly, during past Houthi assaults in the Red Sea, ships employed a similar strategy of asserting ties to China to mitigate the threat posed by the Iranian-backed group. The Associated Press highlighted this trend.

In related remarks, Secretary of the Army Pete Hegseth stated that Iran’s actions in the Strait are born out of “sheer desperation.” He reassured the public, saying, “We are addressing this, and there’s no need for alarm.” He emphasized that Iran has a long history of targeting vessels in the region, adding, “They often take the Strait hostage. We are prepared for it.”

U.S. officials noted that Iran recently declared intentions to use small boats to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz, following the neutralization of its larger vessels. They further indicated that Iran’s mining efforts have not been particularly swift or effective, raising doubts about the feasibility of these operations in comparison to U.S. clearance efforts. Moreover, this activity could undermine Iran’s assurances to China for secure passage.

Cameron Chell, CEO of drone company Draganfly, pointed out the current significant threat in the Strait: remotely operated Iranian drone boats, or “suicide skiffs.” These small crafts can swarm attack slower-moving cargo vessels. Chell noted that they likely utilize a range of communication methods, including frequency hopping and encrypted signals.

“Tracking these boats can be challenging due to their numbers. When you deploy 50 units, spotting them among other traffic becomes complicated,” he explained. A single operator might control multiple drones simultaneously, and they might even be capable of autonomous operations through programming. He underscored that effective surveillance and considerable firepower would be crucial to clear the Strait of unmanned surface vehicles.

As for disguise, Chell mentioned these boats can pass as fishing vessels, adding another layer of complexity to the security efforts in the area.

Sadly, Iran’s most severe assault on a civilian ship occurred recently, with an attack on a U.S.-owned, Marshall Islands-flagged tanker off the Iraqi coast. This incident was attributed to a USV, underscoring the increasing risks in these waters.