Marigold LNG Vessel Transited Strait with Transponder Off
The vessel, which had been flagged as non-compliant, avoided detection while exiting the Strait of Hormuz.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Oil and Gas
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The Marigold LNG carrier completed a transit through the Strait of Hormuz with its Automatic Identification System transponder disabled. The vessel loaded its cargo at the Ras Laffan terminal on 29 September and is expected to arrive at the Chhara import terminal on 9 October.
Why it matters
The use of dark transit tactics by large carriers complicates international maritime tracking and compliance enforcement in key energy corridors. This specific incident follows a trend of similar maneuvers by LNG vessels in the region over the past week.
The Marigold LNG vessel possesses a capacity of 138,058 cubic meters. Its destination, the Chhara import terminal, has an annual capacity of 5 million tons per year.
The players
Persian Gulf Strait Authority
This regulatory body oversees maritime safety and compliance standards for traffic passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Marigold LNG
This is a large liquefied natural gas carrier vessel used for the international transport of energy supplies.
Mesaimeer
This is a separate LNG carrier that also utilized dark transit tactics offshore Muscat recently.
The details
The vessel went dark on 24 September and was previously cited by the Persian Gulf Strait Authority as non-compliant on 24 August. Five other laden carriers have also performed dark exits through the strait recently, including the Mesaimeer, which remained dark offshore Muscat until 7 October.
Timeline
24 August: The Persian Gulf Strait Authority listed the Marigold LNG as non-compliant.
23 September: The Mesaimeer vessel went dark offshore Muscat.
24 September: The Marigold LNG disabled its AIS transponder.
29 September: The Marigold LNG loaded its cargo from the Ras Laffan terminal.
9 October: The vessel is scheduled to arrive at the Chhara import terminal.
Market Landscape
The rise of dark transits highlights growing tensions within critical maritime energy chokepoints. This shift forces carriers to navigate an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment while maintaining supply chain continuity for import terminals.
These maritime tracking disruptions may impact the reliability of energy supply logistics for stakeholders at destination terminals. Consumers and market participants should monitor potential shifts in regional shipping insurance premiums and delivery timelines.
The takeaway
Dark shipping practices remain a significant operational hurdle for energy security and maritime oversight in the Persian Gulf. Maintaining consistent AIS visibility is essential for the industry to manage risks and meet international safety standards effectively.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Oil and Gas markets.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Argusmedia.
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