Not long after the Indian Ocean High Risk Area be removed on 1 January 2023 due to improved piracy situation, the Israel-Hamas war has again destabilized regional security. The Houthi militia has recently made a statement to target vessels associated with Israeli interest, and only several hours later on November 19, the group hijacked the car carrier Galaxy Leader in the Red Sea, claiming it was Israeli. Attacks were then targeted on all vessels transiting to and from Israeli ports, and so far, 16 vessels were attacked. The Somali pirates has also declared war on Israel, and on December 14, the bulk carrier Ruen was seized approximately 600 nm off Somalia in the Arabian Sea and now sailing towards the coast. These incidents will inevitably disrupt merchant shipping, threatening the safety of vessels transiting the region as well as that of crews and cargoes. This article aims to provide our Members with updated information and loss prevention advice for safe trading in the region.

I. Recent security events

According to recent incidents released by UKMTO, a total of 16 incidents have been reported since the seizure of Galaxy Leader.

II. Type of threats

Threats on vessels can be categorized into the following types based on recent events, with other types of attack likely to follow:

Boarding and hijacking: insertion of armed men by helicopter or ship/boat and hijackers taking over control of the ship to designated areas.

Drone attacks: multiple incidents of explosive drone attacks or harassments have been reported.

Missile attacks: land-based missile launched on ships.

Ordering ships to alter course: Yemeni forces, often claiming to be the Yemeni navy or the Yemeni authorities, demand ships to divert course.

III. Emergency contacts

(1) PLA Naval Escort (currently 188^th naval fleet): F +870-773907051

For subsequent information, please contact China Shipowners’ Association: +86-21-65978793

(2) China MRCC: +86-10-65292218

(3) United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO): +44 (0) 2392 222060; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

(4) Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSCHOA): +33 (0)2 98 220 220/170; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

IV. Industry guidance

Maritime Global Security, which is a collaborative effort by seven shipping industry associations (BIMCO, ICS, INTERCARGO, InterManager, IG, INTERTANKO, OCIMF), has released articles and guidance against armed conflict and war on its website for free download: https://www.maritimeglobalsecurity.com/geography/goa-etc/

- BMP5 – Best Management Practices

- 15 December 2023 Interim Industry Transit Advice, Southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden

- The International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC): Bridge Reference Cards

V. Advice to Members

(1) With the current targeting focuses on Israel-linked commercial vessels, including vessels carrying the flag of the Zionist entity, vessels operated/owned by Israeli companies, and vessels bound for Israeli ports, any vessel planning on transiting or calling at the Bab El Mandeb Strait or the southern Red Sea should carefully evaluate whether it is associated with Isrrael in any way.

(2) Complete a thorough risk assessment on the vessel’s route before entering the area. A schedule adjustment and crew training will be recommended if certain risks such as drone/missile attacks are not covered in the ship security plan.

(3) The master is advised to register with MSCHOA referring to the Maritime Security Chart Q6099 and report to UKMTO to access latest threat assessments and alerts and to get help if under attack. 

(4) Get prepared and undertake a drill prior to entry to high-risk area following best industry practices.

(5) Test the ship’s manoeuvrability before entry to the Red Sea, the Bab El Mandeb, and the Gulf of Aden, and check if communications systems on the ship are ready for use.

(6) A minimum manning should be kept on the bridge and in the engine room to maintain a safe navigation while the crew not required should muster at a safe location above waterline that allow quick access to the deck.

(7) Maintain bridge watch with enhanced vigilance for any approaching boat or drone and monitor VHF alerts with a professional demeaner during communications.

(8) Activate the AIS and consider display data of the ship and crew which are not linked to Israel.

(9) Since there have been reports of explosion in the vicinity of ships, proper distance should be kept from other ships and pass through the area with full speed.

(10) Use of armed security and attempts to shoot down drones or exchange fire with approaching helicopters/boats may aggravate the situation.

(11) In the event of an attack or attempted boarding, the incident should be reported to the Company/the escorting navy/UKMTO/MSCHOA, etc. Activate the SSAS and sound emergency alarms in accordance with the security plan. Initiate the emergency communication plan for help. If the ship is boarded, the crew should avoid confrontation and make personal safety their top priority.

(12) If boarding cannot be avoided, due consideration should be given on the use of citadel when the ship is sailing near the coast or within the Traffic Separation Scheme.

(13) Given the fact that a bulk carrier was hijacked by Somali pirates at 380 nautical miles east off Socotra Island on the 15th this month, Members should also take piracy prevention measures before entering high-risk areas and use the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) and join a navy convoy.

(14) The Association’s previous articles can be referred to for more information:

LP22/2019 War Risks Insurance: Reflecting on Recent Tanker Attacks near the Persian Gulf;

LP31/2019 More about War Risks Insurance: Listed Areas, Terms of Cover and Additional Premium;

LP35/2019 Charterparty Issues Concerning Recent Attack in the Gulf;

LP41/2020 Safety Reminders for Vessels Trading in the Strait of Hormuz.

For more information, please contact Managers of the Association.