How the US Used Secretive Ship-to-Ship Transfers to Bypass Hormuz
The Middle East crisis has recently choked one of the world's most critical maritime arteries, threatening to destabilize global energy markets. To counter Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the United States military has implemented a covert operation to ensure Gulf crude continues to reach international markets.
A Stealthy Playbook: The US Military's Shadow Operation
In a tactical shift, the United States has adopted methods long associated with sanctions-busting to keep energy shipments moving. Rather than relying solely on traditional naval escorts, the US military has overseen a sophisticated system of secretive ship-to-ship (STS) oil transfers. This operation, which began in early May, utilizes aerial surveillance, rigorous compliance checks, and constant monitoring to maintain a steady flow of petroleum.
The strategy involves using smaller tankers to navigate the high-risk waters of the Strait of Hormuz. Once these vessels pass through the zone claimed by Iran, they meet larger Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) at offshore hubs. These transfers take place at two primary locations: Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates and near the port of Sohar in Oman.
Logistics and Tactical Execution
The operational precision required for these transfers is immense. To minimize detection and risk, vessels follow a strict protocol:
- Staggered Movement: Tankers maintain distances of 3,000 to 4,000 metres from one another.
- Stealth Measures: Ships are often required to switch off their transponders and dim their lights during transit.
- Extended Transfers: The process of moving oil from smaller tankers to VLCCs takes between 24 and 40 hours.
- Compliance Monitoring: Operators must undergo strict vetting and submit information to the US Navy's Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping office in Bahrain.
Satellite imagery reveals the scale of this activity. On June 11, the operation reached its peak with 17 pairs of ships conducting simultaneous transfers. Since the commencement of this network in early May, at least 116 vessels have been involved.
Impact on Global Energy Supplies
While the operation is significant, the scale of the disruption remains immense. Reuters estimates that at least 90 million barrels of crude oil and petroleum products have moved through this offshore network since early May. However, this is a fraction of the roughly 20 million barrels that typically pass through the Strait of Hormuz daily.
The blockade, triggered by the US-Israeli conflict, has effectively shuttered a route that handles one-fifth of global oil consumption. This disruption has been described as the largest global energy supply shock in history, contributing significantly to worldwide inflation.
Operational Risks and the Path Forward
The "stealth" nature of these transfers introduces severe maritime hazards. Industry officials warn of an increased risk of collisions, as ships travel at high speeds without lights during night operations, making sudden course corrections difficult.
Despite these tensions, there are signs of a potential diplomatic shift. The US administration has indicated that the Strait of Hormuz may reopen following a framework peace deal with Iran, though specific details regarding the stability of the region remain to be seen.
Key Takeaways
- Covert Logistics: The US military is managing secretive ship-to-ship transfers at Fujairah and Sohar to bypass the Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Scale of Movement: Approximately 90 million barrels of oil have been moved via this method since early May, though it remains far below the pre-conflict daily average of 20 million barrels.
- High-Stakes Risk: The operation utilizes stealth tactics like switching off transponders and dimming lights, which significantly increases the risk of maritime collisions.