Data from the vessel tracking platform MarineTraffic reveals that four liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers, either owned by or under long-term charter to the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), stopped transmitting their positioning signals on July 24 while anchored near the UAE on the eastern side of the Strait of Hormuz.

These empty vessels are likely preparing to sail into the Persian Gulf to load cargo. ADNOC's LNG export facility on Das Island is located within the Persian Gulf. During previous periods of heightened security tensions in the region, tankers heading to this facility to load cargo would also switch off their tracking signals to conceal their movements.

The vessels involved are the Marigold LNG, Umm Al Ashtan, Mraweh, and Al Hamra. Since the Iran-related conflict escalated in late February, these ships have been consistently operating within the Persian Gulf to transport LNG cargoes.