Iranian Oil Tankers with False Flags: Security Threat

Of more than 540 tankers identified as transporters of Iranian oil products, 40 percent had false flags, according to data compiled by the U.S.-based United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI). This practice increases the risk that poorly regulated and poorly maintained oil tankers will sail with invalid insurance on some of the world's busiest shipping lanes. Most of the vessels listed by the UANI are over 20 years old, an advanced age for large oil tankers (VLCCs). Experts say that the lack of proper regulation and identification of these vessels increases the risk of a serious oil disaster.