Windward Maritime Intelligence: 732 Vessels Staged in Gulf as Iranian Oil Flows to China With 64% Dark AIS

Windward's daily maritime intelligence assessment reveals 732 cargo and tanker vessels staged across the Gulf as the U.S. blockade begins enforcement, with vessel movements reflecting controlled staging rather than normal commercial flow. Total Iranian oil on water stands at approximately 157.7 million barrels, with 97.6% destined for China. Of 89 Iranian-linked tankers, 57, nearly 64%, are not transmitting AIS signals, indicating deliberate dark-shipping operations to evade sanctions enforcement and blockade interdiction. Only five outbound and three inbound vessels were positioning for Strait transit, with one LPG tanker executing a U-turn mid-passage.