‘All-Chinese crew’: ships fake identities to slip past Iran

the Guan Yuan Fu Xing

Merchant ships are altering their identities mid-voyage in a desperate bid to survive the escalating crisis in the Strait of Hormuz — broadcasting false links to China to deter Iranian attacks.

Shipping data shows vessels anchored in the Gulf or attempting the hazardous crossing are rewriting their tracking signals to claim Chinese crews or ownership. Analysts say the tactic is a calculated gamble: align yourself with Beijing, Tehran’s key economic partner, and hope Iranian forces think twice before striking.

Digital disguise on the world’s most dangerous waterway

The manoeuvre relies on AIS transponders — the maritime tracking system that broadcasts a ship’s identity, location and destination.

In recent days, around 30 vessels have altered these signals, inserting phrases such as “CHINA OWNER” or “ALL-CHINESE CREW” as they approach the strait. Trade risk analyst Ana Subasic says the messages are likely “precautionary signals” designed to reduce the chance of being targeted.

But the signals can be misleading. Subasic notes they do not necessarily reflect genuine Chinese ownership or control.

The latest run through the gauntlet

The Panama-flagged cargo ship Guan Yuan Fu Xing became the latest vessel to slip through the strait on Monday. Two days earlier it had quietly altered its destination data to read “CHINA OWNER”.

Other ships have used similar tricks. The Marshall Islands-registered Iron Maiden and Liberia-flagged Sino Ocean both displayed Chinese links while crossing — then deleted the messages once clear of danger.

Some vessels have experimented with different shields. One declared itself a “Muslim vessel”. Others briefly claimed Turkish ownership.

Dark ships and silent crossings

Not all captains are willing to broadcast anything at all. Several ships have attempted the passage with their transponders switched off entirely — effectively disappearing from marine trackers until they emerge safely beyond the choke point.

Among the vessels still transmitting signals, nine oil tankers and two LNG carriers have attempted the crossing since last week.

Before the conflict erupted, about 138 ships passed through the strait every day.

Oil shock and geopolitical pressure

The waterway carries roughly a quarter of the world’s seaborne oil and one-fifth of global LNG. Its disruption has already sent crude surging past $100 a barrel — the highest level since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Analysts say Tehran’s strategy is clear: raise insurance costs, squeeze global energy markets and force Washington and Gulf states onto the defensive.

European leaders are now weighing a response. France says allies are preparing a defensive naval mission to escort ships and reopen the vital corridor.

Iran insists the strait is not formally closed. But its security chief has issued a blunt warning — as long as the war continues, Hormuz will not be safe.

Ships brandish China-links to weave through Strait of Hormuz