Iran Tanker Tracking

Economic pressure can compel Tehran to moderate its destructive behavior and end its pursuit of nuclear weapons. Crude and natural gas exports historically account for 25% of government revenues: it is therefore important to accurately track Iran’s oil exports to interpret if sanctions are effectively stopping the flow of revenue to the regime.

This can be difficult given the regime’s track-record of smuggling and sanctions evasion techniques and there is little consensus among oil tracking agencies about how much is getting through, and to where.

This variance mars the accuracy of media reports, but it also presents a serious challenge to those trying to get a handle on the trajectory of the Iranian economy, given its oil revenue dependency.

More importantly, a correct accounting of quantities and destinations will help focus limited resources to where they are really needed: which shippers, which vessels, which areas, which ports, which flags, which insurers.

UANI has therefore sought to address the information gap with a new comprehensive ship-tracking methodology.

Using Automatic Identification System (AIS), satellite imagery, vessel comparison and tanker classification, and cargo datasets to uncover all under-the-radar ship-to-ship (STS) transfers and exports of Iranian oil and gas condensates, we generate what we contend are the most accurate figures available.

This resource seeks to disrupt Iran’s attempts to generate profits from oil sales and further isolate the regime economically.

  • Exports Over Time
  • Shipping Analysis
  • March 2025
    Barrels Per Day (BPD)
March Total: 1,597,928
March 2025 Iran Tanker Tracker
April 01, 2025 | Claire Jungman and Charlie Brown

As the maritime industry gathered for Singapore Maritime Week 2025, one of the industry's most important annual events, participants grappled with a central concern: the intensifying threat posed by the Iranian-backed ghost fleet. Against a backdrop of rising geopolitical tension, sanctions enforcement, and growing environmental risk, the week's discussions reflected the urgency of safeguarding the integrity of global shipping.

A highlight of the week was a keynote speech by Singapore's Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who underscored Singapore's enduring commitment to free and secure maritime trade. He acknowledged the challenges posed by today's strategic environment and warned about “Choppy waters ahead,” and that “it is a different world today. Attitudes towards trade have changed. Patterns of trade flows are shifting, too.  Minister Lee emphasized the importance of rule-based maritime order and Singapore's role as a trusted maritime hub: “Singapore will continue to support a multilateral rules-based order, international co-operation and interdependence.”
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