Iran War Shipping Update—March 13, 2026

(New York, NY)—Since the onset of Operation Epic Fury, UANI has monitored a significant volume of Iranian oil at sea. Illicit Iranian oil sales are a major source of funding for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which is currently conducting military and terrorist operations targeting the U.S., Israel, Arab states in the Persian Gulf, and international shipping. In the weeks leading up to the conflict, Tehran sharply increased crude loadings and offshore stockpiling to cushion the impact of war on its oil trade. Amid ongoing hostilities, the Iranian regime’s Ghost Fleet continues to operate actively — loading cargo, transiting the Strait of Hormuz, and heading east toward its primary buyer, China. UANI’s daily shipping update will continue to monitor and report on the illicit maritime movements of the Iranian regime’s ghost fleet throughout the conflict.

Status of the Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical flashpoint in the ongoing Iran war, as the Iranian regime intensifies efforts to disrupt maritime traffic. Since the start of the conflict, at least 20 commercial vessels have been hit. In addition, the IRGC is reportedly attempting to line the strait with naval mines. Although U.S. forces have destroyed more than 30 Iranian mine-laying vessels, Iran has adapted by deploying smaller boats to continue the operation.

The escalating risk has created severe congestion and instability across the Persian Gulf’s shipping lanes. In the day prior to the outbreak of hostilities, about 150 vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz. Since March 1, 2025, marine traffic data shows growing clusters of loitering vessels on both sides of the Strait of Hormuz, with many refraining from transiting due to safety concerns. By March 12, just five cargo vessels were reported to openly transit eastbound out of the Persian Gulf — underscoring the growing chaos and operational paralysis in one of the world’s most vital maritime chokepoints.

Iranian Oil Laden Tankers in the Persian Gulf

UANI has identified at least 23 tankers laden with Iranian oil — primarily crude — currently operating in the Persian Gulf, west of the Strait of Hormuz.

Map of Iranian oil laden tankers in the Persian Gulf on March 13

Number of Iranian Loadings

Since the outbreak of the conflict, UANI has tracked at least 11 Iranian oil loadings, eight of which originated from Kharg Island. These shipments represent approximately 15 million barrels of Iranian oil, generating an estimated revenue of over $140 million for the IRGC, which continues to fund Iran’s active missile and drone programs central to the conflict.

Iran-Linked Tankers Around the Strait of Hormuz

UANI has identified approximately 27 Iran-linked tankers east of the Strait of Hormuz, waiting to enter the Persian Gulf for loading. Around five Iran-linked tankers remain adjacent to the outbound lane of the Strait of Hormuz — one laden, two empty and the others unknown.

Iran-oil Laden Tankers Leaving the Persian Gulf

Since the start of the conflict, UANI has observed at least six dark fleet tankers that have left the Persian Gulf — some broadcasting their AIS signals and others operating clandestinely — likely enroute to Malaysia to conduct ship-to-ship (STS) transfers with other Ghost Fleet vessels bound for China.

On March 11, the Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) SKYWAVE (IMO 9328716) transited the Strait of Hormuz with its AIS signal active while laden with approximately 1.9 million barrels of Iranian crude. The tanker has since switched its AIS off.

Map of SKYWAVE transiting the Persian Gulf on March 11 (Credit: Marine Traffic)

Iran-flagged Tankers Globally

UANI has observed at least 19 Iranian-flagged tankers well outside of the Persian Gulf area. Since the start of the conflict, seven tankers have begun to return from the Southeast Asian waters through the Indian Ocean towards Iran. Nine tankers were observed transiting through the Malacca Strait toward the anchorages off Malaysia. One March 9 alone, four Iranian-flagged tankers transited the Singapore Strait eastbound, laden with Iranian oil. 

Map of Iranian-Flagged Tankers Transiting the Singapore Strait on March 9 (Credit: Starboard Maritime Intelligence)

Iranian Oil Laden Tankers in the EOPL

UANI has recorded 41 Iranian oil laden tankers anchored in the East Outer Port Limits (EOPL) area, approximately 70 km off Malaysia’s coast. Of these, 36 are carrying crude oil, four are transporting LPG, and one is loaded with fuel — all destined for China.