March 23, 2026: Iran War Maritime Intelligence Daily in International Shipping News 24/03/2026 Operational Overview Maritime activity across the Arabian Gulf remains constrained but operationally active, with over 600 foreign-flagged vessels currently transmitting AIS in the region. While large-scale commercial flows continue, vessel behavior indicates sustained disruption, including elevated dark activity, reduced anchoring durations, and shifting routing patterns under heightened geopolitical control. Iran continues to consolidate control over the Strait of Hormuz through a selective transit model, enabling passage for specific vessels and cargo types via corridors within its territorial waters. This includes energy shipments bound for China, agricultural cargo flows, and select LPG movements, reinforcing a permission-based access framework rather than a full closure. AIS transmitting vessels’ recent positions in the Arabian Gulf. Source: Windward Maritime AI™ Platform. At the same time, global energy dynamics are shifting. Iranian oil volumes on the water have reached 161 million barrels under a temporary sanctions waiver, while Russian exports remain elevated at 159 million barrels despite mounting infrastructure disruptions, including the reported suspension of loadings at key Baltic ports following Ukrainian strikes. Taken together, maritime operations are adapting to a fragmented and controlled environment, where access, routing, and energy flows are increasingly dictated by geopolitical alignment and operational necessity. The zombie LNG tanker transiting the Strait of Hormuz, March 20, 2026. Source: Windward Maritime AI™ Platform. Gulf Vessel Presence Overview AIS-transmitting foreign vessels in the Arabian Gulf total 609 vessels, consisting of 360 cargo vessels and 249 tankers. The North Star transits the Strait of Hormuz on March 20, 2026. Source: Windward Maritime AI™ Platform. Breakdown by vessel subclass: Bulk carriers: 153 vessels. Oil products tankers: 76 vessels. Crude oil tankers: 70 vessels. LNG and LPG carriers: 39 vessels. Container vessels: 38 vessels. Other vessel types: 233 vessels. Top flag registries (excluding Gulf states): Panama: 125 vessels. Marshall Islands: 77 vessels. Liberia: 72 vessels. Comoros: 54 vessels. Saint Kitts and Nevis: 28 vessels. Singapore: 26 vessels. Hong Kong: 17 vessels. Top company locations by vessel presence: Marshall Islands: 111 vessels. Greece: 94 vessels. China: 88 vessels. Singapore: 78 vessels. Liberia: 51 vessels. This distribution highlights continued global participation in Gulf operations despite persistent disruption and elevated risk. Two LPG carriers transit the IRGC-controlled corridor through the Strait of Hormuz on March 23, 2026. Source: Windward Maritime AI™ Platform. The decline in prolonged anchoring and dark activity suggests increased operational movement, while consistent identity manipulation indicates continued deceptive shipping practices. Controlled Transit Through the Strait of Hormuz Iran continues to enforce selective control over transit through the Strait of Hormuz, enabling vessel movement through IRGC-controlled corridors within its territorial waters. Two speed boats operating in the Strait of Hormuz, March 18, 2026. Source: Windward Remote Sensing Intelligence. Over the past three days, multiple vessels have transited using this alternative routing, including LPG carriers, bulk carriers transporting agricultural cargo, and vessels linked to energy