Qatar Orders Ships to Disable AIS at Ras Laffan LNG Port
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · May 12
Qatar Orders Ships to Disable AIS at Ras Laffan LNG Port
2 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · May 12
Qatar this week told vessels at Ras Laffan—its main LNG export hub—to switch off Automatic Identification System transponders while in the port, anchorages and surrounding waters.
The directive was described by people familiar with the matter as a new safety measure, though no further reason or duration was disclosed.
The move affects ship visibility on standard maritime tracking systems at a facility central to Qatar's liquefied natural gas exports.
Is Qatar's order for ships to 'go dark' a savvy defense or a dangerous gamble in a tense Gulf?
The global ship tracking system has failed. What comes next to secure the world's most dangerous sea lanes?