In a startling maritime development, three vessels officially recorded as scrapped have reportedly navigated the Strait of Hormuz using false identities, a tactic known as 'zombie ships'. The ships, identified as the LNG Jamal, Baltic Highway, and Nabiin, were detected in the strategic waterway despite Iran's blockade, which commenced on 28 February.
Evasion Tactics and Financial Transactions
Reports indicate that these zombie ships may have utilised a Tehran-approved route to bypass the blockade. One vessel allegedly paid the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a staggering $2 million for safe passage through what has been dubbed the 'Tehran Toll Booth'. This marks the first instance of such tactics being employed since the onset of the US-Israeli war against Iran, though similar methods have been used for decades by North Korea and more recently by Russia.
Iran's Blockade and Global Impact
Iran recently announced a relaxation of its blockade conditions, permitting 'non-hostile' vessels safe passage. However, global fuel supplies remain severely constrained, leading to persistently high energy prices. The appearance of zombie ships underscores the ongoing challenges in enforcing maritime security in the region.
The use of false identities by scrapped vessels highlights innovative evasion strategies amid geopolitical tensions. As the situation evolves, monitoring such tactics will be crucial for maintaining stability in global energy markets and ensuring compliance with international regulations.
