During the period from August 1 to September 26, 10 sanctioned ships changed their flags to Nicaragua numbers, with 8 of them being identified for the first time in a box near the Strait of Hormuz. This flag change is clearly visible on tracking maps and allows various entities to check the ships against the sanctions list.
Details of the Flag Change
Ships are identified using the MMSI code (Maritime Mobile Service Identity), which consists of 9 digits. The first three digits of this number represent the country. Entities such as ports, insurers, and cargo buyers use this number to check ships against the sanctions list. Sanctioned ships typically change their numbers, and each new flag has its own specific geography. In the box drawn from the shores of Dubai towards the Gulf of Oman, ships that changed their flags from August 1 to September 26 have been counted.
Read more: Unanswered Questions About 80 Million Barrels of Oil and Four Trusts
Examples of Flag-Changing Ships
For example, the ship DANUTA I, which is on the U.S. sanctions list, left its previous number 511101556 and was identified on September 26 with the number 350641000 and the name NAUTILUS I. This ship was broadcasted 26 miles from the Strait of Hormuz at 1:18 AM EDT. Other ships like PARVATI and SEA HERMES have also changed their numbers without moving.
On the other hand, some numbers have been swapped in pairs. For instance, two Angolan numbers 603921000 and 603925000 were converted to 350626000 and 350641000. Additionally, two Malagasy numbers 647553028 and 647553055 were changed to 350622000 and 350638000.
In total, 23 identity changes on 19 ships have been identified in these eight weeks, including new names and new numbers. These changes clearly indicate shifts in ownership and flags of the ships in response to sanctions and international pressures.
Why the Flag Matters
The flag of a ship acts as a sign of ownership and its registered territory. In February, a report was released indicating that a website was selling registrations for Nicaragua ships. While according to IMO records, Nicaragua has not approved any organization to issue flags on its behalf. These flag changes could be a sign of covert activities and attempts to circumvent sanctions.
Ultimately, these flag and number changes cannot be considered proof of wrongdoing in themselves, but they clearly indicate significant developments in the shipping industry and responses to sanctions.
