Vessels Navigate In The Shadows

Vessels are now resorting to switching off their AIS transponders to conceal their movements and prevent Houthi attacks in the Red Sea – but it could also impact container monitoring, says an article published on loadstar website.

Summary

• Vessels traversing the Red Sea are switching off their AIS transponders to avoid Houthi attacks, compromising collision-avoidance.
• The International Maritime Organization (IMO) mandates AIS under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), but exceptions are allowed in situations where a ship’s safety and security may be compromised.
• This has led to vessels frequently turning off their transponders for various reasons, such as the case of the Russian ‘dark fleet.’
• The ‘dark fleet’ of Russian tankers, intentionally turning off AIS to bypass sanctions, were involved in over 30 accidents, highlighting the potential dangers associated with shutting down AIS systems.
• Even with AIS data concealed, Houthi militants can leverage other means, such as drones, to track vessel movements. Turning off AIS is not a foolproof strategy against attacks.
• The lack of AIS data poses challenges for container monitoring, raising broader issues related to cargo management and monitoring.

Collision-Avoidance Compromised, The Impact Of AIS Shutdown

Vessels traversing the Red Sea are resorting to a risky tactic to avoid Houthi attacks—switching off their AIS transponders. While this clandestine approach reduces the risk of being targeted, it raises concerns about collision-avoidance, particularly during challenging conditions like night or fog.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) mandates AIS under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). However, exceptions are allowed in situations where a ship’s safety and security may be compromised.

This has led to vessels frequently turning off their transponders, not necessarily due to direct threats but for various reasons, such as the case of the Russian ‘dark fleet.’

Secrecy Breeds Accidents, Lessons From The Russian ‘Dark Fleet’

The ‘dark fleet’ of Russian tankers, intentionally turning off AIS to bypass sanctions, serves as a cautionary tale. Despite their covert activities, these vessels were involved in over 30 accidents, including groundings and fires. The intentional invisibility of these vessels underscores the potential dangers associated with shutting down AIS systems.

Houthi Threats And Security Dilemmas, AIS Shutdown Not A Guarantee

While vessels hope to avoid Houthi attacks by running the Red Sea gauntlet with AIS turned off, the risks persist. Even with AIS data concealed, Houthi militants can leverage other means, such as drones, to track vessel movements. A joint statement from prominent shipping industry associations emphasizes that turning off AIS is no foolproof strategy against attacks.

Container Monitoring Concerns, The Domino Effect

Beyond security concerns, the lack of AIS data poses challenges for container monitoring. Forwarders express apprehension about the potential impact on tracking containers in the Middle East region. The invisibility adopted by vessels for security reasons raises broader issues related to cargo management and monitoring.

Finding Balance, Navigating Transparency And Security

The complex balance between security measures and maintaining transparency in maritime activities remains a critical challenge for the shipping industry. As vessels navigate in the shadows to evade potential threats, the industry grapples with the consequences on navigation safety, security, and the seamless monitoring of vital cargo.

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Source: loadstar

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