The Automatic Identification System (AIS), which plays a crucial role in maritime safety and transparency, is increasingly being manipulated by shadow fleet tankers. These vessels use deceptive tactics to disguise their identities and flag states, making it difficult for authorities to track their operations.
This growing trend raises concerns about sanctions evasion, maritime security, and the integrity of global shipping regulations.
The Role of MMSI and Its Manipulation
Every vessel is assigned a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI), a nine-digit number linked to its flag state for identification and communication. The first three digits, known as the Maritime Identification Digits (MID), indicate the country of registration.
However, certain shadow fleet tankers are now transmitting unallocated or false MIDs, making them appear stateless. By using fabricated MMSIs, these ships create confusion over their nationality and registry, complicating enforcement actions.
Tactics Used by the Shadow Fleet
Shadow fleet operators deploy multiple deceptive strategies to obscure their activities. Some vessels simultaneously transmit genuine and fake identifiers, suggesting the use of multiple AIS systems.
Others alternate between unallocated MIDs and those linked to legitimate flag states, raising doubts about the authenticity of their registration. Additionally, the rise of fake ship registers has made it easier for these vessels to engage in flag hopping, where ships rapidly change or falsify their claimed nationality to evade detection.
The manipulation of AIS data by shadow fleet tankers highlights a serious challenge in maritime security. By exploiting gaps in sanctions enforcement and regulatory oversight, these vessels manage to operate under false identities and questionable flag statuses.
Stronger international cooperation, stricter monitoring of MMSI allocation, and better awareness among enforcement authorities are essential to counter this growing threat to global shipping transparency and security.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Lloyd’s List
