I'm sure this is not a new thing, but I just found out about it, and I think it's pretty neat!
who consistently disable AIS and LRIT for various reasons: China
None of these are Chinese? Are you sure?
Russia
Iran
Senegal
the aforementioned counties just ignore it when disabling AIS suites their purposes (Illegally changing flags during voyage, poaching, etc).
Like, far be it for me to suggest merchant vessels don't regularly engage in shady shipping practices. But this is far more widespread than just a few countries Americans don't like
the total capacity of ships in the U.S. and U.K. registers as of 1 January 2024 is 13.2 mil. dwt and 11.1 mil. dwt respectively.
I guess two of the largest merchant navies in the world are on vacation?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_convenience#Wages
In 2009, the flag-states employing the highest number of expatriate-Filipino seafarers were Panama, the Bahamas, Liberia and the Marshall Islands. That year, more than 150,000 Filipino sailors were employed by these four flags of convenience.
Anyone remember which country has a deeply problematic fascist-friendly political and military relationship with the Philippians government right now?