Ships in Red Sea fake association to Russia, China to avoid assaults

(MENAFN)
According to a Reuters report published Thursday, ships navigating the Red Sea and Persian Gulf are falsely broadcasting Russian or Chinese affiliations to avoid becoming targets amid growing regional tensions. The report cites data from maritime risk analytics firm Windward, which identified this trend using vessel tracking systems.

Amid threats from Tehran to block the crucial Strait of Hormuz if the U.S. supports Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, Iran’s parliament has reportedly endorsed the idea, though the final decision lies with the Supreme National Security Council. Since late 2023, Houthi militants backed by Iran have launched attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, claiming solidarity with Palestinians during the Gaza conflict.

Although a ceasefire was recently reached between Iran and Israel, the Houthis have warned they will resume targeting U.S.-linked ships if the U.S. backs further Israeli actions against Iran. Despite diplomatic efforts — including a deal brokered by former U.S. President Donald Trump in May to reduce hostilities — concerns remain over vessel safety.

Windward’s CEO, Ami Daniel, told Reuters that the complex nature of maritime ownership makes it difficult to determine which ships are tied to countries like the U.S., UK, or Israel, which are perceived to be at greater risk. Between June 12 and 24, Windward recorded 55 ships broadcasting 101 unusual identification messages such as “China owned” or “Russian crude.” These messages are believed to be an attempt to appear aligned with nations less likely to be targeted.

Examples include a Panama-flagged ship heading to Pakistan that claimed to be “all Chinese,” and a Singapore-flagged vessel stating it had “no link Israel.” Under normal conditions, ships typically use standard messaging such as “For Orders” or mention if they have “Armed Guards on Board” in high-risk areas. However, non-standard messages spiked significantly following Israeli airstrikes on Iran.

This development comes as Western nations tighten sanctions on vessels suspected of having Russian connections. Both the EU and the U.S. have accused Russia and its allies of operating a “shadow fleet” of tankers that evade Western insurance and restrictions. In May, the EU added 189 vessels to its blacklist, raising the total to 342, with another 77 potentially to follow in an upcoming sanctions package.

Russia has condemned these sanctions as unlawful, with senior official Nikolay Patrushev calling them tantamount to “piracy” and likening them to a naval blockade. He asserted that Moscow is ready to use its navy to ensure freedom of navigation.

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