Electronic warfare upgrade? GPS signals disrupted, strange fleet formation appears in the Strait of Hormuz!

Electronic interference around the Strait of Hormuz may be intensifying, with severe GPS signal distortions causing navigation chaos in this critical global energy route, and having far-reaching impacts on the global oil market and shipping industry.

Bloomberg tracking data shows that at least twelve large vessel clusters have appeared near the Strait of Hormuz, with some groups consisting of over 200 ships, and some vessels showing speeds over 100 knots—an abnormal reading typically caused by electronic interference in navigation signals.

This phenomenon indicates that, as the US and Israel remain engaged in the Iran conflict, the electronic warfare risk around the strait may be increasing. Maritime intelligence firm Windward reports that signal interference has been ongoing since the conflict began, affecting over 1,100 ships in the Persian Gulf.

The actual blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has already thrown the global energy market into chaos, previously pushing Brent crude futures close to $120 per barrel; however, US President Trump hinted on Tuesday that the war might end soon, causing futures prices to fall sharply. As of the latest update, prices are at $93.

Unusual Fleet Emerges, Position Data Useless

Bloomberg’s tracking data presents a shocking scene: the clusters of ships are not only large but also form perplexing geometric shapes—one group arranged in a near-circle inland from Abu Dhabi, another forming an inverted “Z” near Ras Al Khaimah.

Some groups appear in the Gulf of Oman, which may suggest that the relevant ships are waiting on the periphery for the situation to ease or for safe loading and unloading dates before entering the strait.

Mark Douglas, an analyst at maritime analysis firm Starboard Maritime Intelligence, said that using tracking data to determine the actual positions of ships near the strait has become nearly impossible.

These formations are caused by electronic interference distorting ship navigation systems—interfered ships display coordinates far from their true locations on tracking platforms. Such electronic warfare tactics are common during heightened geopolitical tensions and are part of military confrontations.

Severe Speed Data Distortion, Oil Tanker “190 km/h”

Signal interference particularly distorts vessel speed reports. Bloomberg data shows that an oil product tanker named Asprouda, near Jebel Ali on Monday, transmitted a signal indicating a speed of 102 knots, equivalent to 190 km/h. In reality, such tankers typically have a maximum speed of around 16 knots.

Mark Douglas stated, “Any ships navigating in this area clearly cannot rely on GPS.” He emphasized that this situation “further increases the safety risks of attacks on vessels”—with navigation already unreliable, the difficulty of responding to physical security threats also rises.

Insurance Premiums Rise, Shipowners and Charterers Under Pressure

Ongoing electronic interference and navigation chaos are amplifying operational risks for shipowners and charterers in the region. As the conflict drags on, the industry faces continued increases in war risk insurance premiums, with several ships already attacked by missiles. The appearance of large vessel clusters will likely further tighten market tensions.

At the policy level, Trump has proposed that the US might provide insurance and naval escort for transit ships to restore normal shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz. He also told CBS that he is “considering taking control,” but it remains unclear what specific actions the president might take.

Windward data confirms the severity of the situation: transit volumes through the Strait of Hormuz have plummeted from pre-conflict normal levels, and this route is a key link between the Persian Gulf and global markets. The sharp decline in transit has forced Gulf oil producers to cut oil output.

Risk Warning and Disclaimer

Market risks exist; investments should be made cautiously. This article does not constitute personal investment advice and does not consider individual users’ specific investment goals, financial situations, or needs. Users should consider whether any opinions, viewpoints, or conclusions herein are suitable for their particular circumstances. Invest at your own risk.