Lars Jensen’s Post

Maritime Security Bulletin and Advisory Re Yemen Houthis Sink Bulk Carrier Tutor and Threaten to Sink The Verbena Thats a Drift. Date: June 22nd, 2024   Issued by: Sanborn Analytics     Email: outreach@sanbornanalytics.us   Phone: +1 (617) 539-6114 -- Subject: Escalation in Maritime Threats by Houthi Forces Summary: On June 21st, 2024, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, the leader of the Houthi movement, confirmed in a televised speech that Houthi forces were responsible for the sinking of the bulker Tutor earlier in the week. In the same speech, al-Houthi issued a similar threat against the abandoned bulker Verbena, which is currently afloat and drifting in the Gulf of Aden. Details: - Incident Overview:  - Abdul-Malik al-Houthi detailed what he referred to as the “fourth stage of the escalation,” describing how Houthi forces boarded the bulker Tutor, booby-trapped it, and blew it up after initially hitting it with a military USV. This account aligns with released images showing multiple explosions at the stern of the disabled and abandoned ship, which was drifting in the Red Sea.    - Past Incidents:  - Similar unconfirmed allegations were made in March regarding the bulker Rubymar, which was carrying fertilizer to Lebanon. Reports suggest the Houthi sabotaged the vessel after it had been abandoned and left drifting, resulting in its sudden sinking.    - Current Threat:  - In his speech, al-Houthi issued a veiled threat regarding the Verbena, a bulker that was abandoned after the crew was unable to control a fire caused by a Houthi attack. Despite initial Houthi claims that the Verbena had already sunk, it remains afloat. Unconfirmed reports indicate that a salvage team is being organized to address the situation. Advisory: - Maritime Shipping Community:  - Exercise heightened vigilance when navigating through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Report any suspicious activity or vessels to naval authorities immediately.  - Ensure that all crew members are trained and briefed on emergency procedures in the event of an attack or boarding.  - Consider rerouting to avoid high-risk areas if possible. - Armed Naval Forces:  - Increase patrols and surveillance in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden to deter and respond to potential Houthi attacks.  - Coordinate with international maritime security forces to enhance the scope and effectiveness of counter-piracy and counter-terrorism operations.  - Provide support and protection to commercial vessels, particularly those that are disabled or drifting. Media Credit: This bulletin includes information reported by Maritime Executive. -- Stay safe, Sanborn Analytics #maritimesecurity #yemen #israelhamaswar #hamas #israel #nationalsecurity #gulfofaden #redsea #houthis https://lnkd.in/esrycnjT

Summary of the maritime security incidents that occurred in August 2024 (by ZHONGXIANG NI (倪忠祥）） #shipping #marine #maritime #safe https://lnkd.in/giiwEi9q

#RedSea | #MaritimeSecurity: officials said on Thursday that a French destroyer destroyed a bomb-carrying drone boat in the area and rescued 29 mariners from Sounion - a Greek oil tanker that came under repeated attack in the Red Sea on Wednesday. https://lnkd.in/d34UMN7b The Sounion was attacked on Wednesday multiple times - https://lnkd.in/diCSbCWR - and is now at anchor in the Red Sea and no longer drifting, the European Union's Operation Aspides said. The vessel had been staffed by a crew of 25 Filipinos and Russians, as well as four #privatesecurity personnel, who have been taken to nearby #Djibouti, the EU mission in the Red Sea said. The Sounion has 150,000 tons of crude #oil aboard and represents a "navigational and environmental hazard,” the mission warned. “It is essential that everyone in the area exercises caution and refrains from any actions that could lead to a deterioration of the current situation.” 🚨Travel and work abroad are associated with security risks that can come from many different sources and their impact on people and business can be devastating. 🛡️ Septu Group is a specialist security, risk management and crisis response company that supports the evolving security needs of individuals and businesses around the world. 𝐓𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐞 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐭: ➡️ info@septugroup.com #securityawareness #travelawareness #riskmanagement #securitymanagement #crisismanagement #travelsafety #dutyofcare #travelriskmanagement #travelrisk #riskassessment #crisisresponse #corporatesecurity #threatmanagement #septugroup #internationaltravel #geopoliticalrisk #maritimetrade #trade #assetprotection #threatassessment #shippingindustry #maritime

10 Maritime Piracy Affected Areas around the World Check out this article 👉 https://lnkd.in/dmZNqW4k #shipping #shippingindustry #maritimeindustry #maritime #maritimesafety #MarineInsight #Merchantnavy #Merchantmarine #MerchantnavyShips

Resurgence of Houthi Attacks Disrupts 18-Day Peace in the Red Sea Shipping Arabia, September 21, 2024 — After an 18-day hiatus, Houthi attacks resumed in the Red Sea with the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reporting a concerning incident involving an unmanned surface drone near Yemen’s coast. This event occurred approximately 45 nautical miles south of Al Mukha in the strategic Bab-El-Mendeb Strait, signaling a potential escalation in regional tensions. The UKMTO detailed that the crew of a merchant vessel spotted an Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) exhibiting erratic behavior close to their location. The drone, characterized by a blue and white hull, eventually departed without further incident. Martin Kelly, Head of Advisory at EOS Risk Group, commented on the situation via X: “Today marks the longest stretch—18 days—without a Houthi attack on shipping since the conflict escalation on November 19, 2023.” Kelly indicated that recent UK and US airstrikes might have temporarily diminished Houthi capacities, but he warned of potential new tactics from the group as they seek to maintain influence. This incident coincides with ongoing efforts to mitigate threats from the region, highlighted by the recent towing of the Greek-registered oil tanker MT SOUNION. Attacked last month by Houthi militants, the tanker, laden with about 1 million barrels of crude oil, was moved to a secure location some 81 kilometers offshore Eritrea under the aegis of the EU-led Operation ASPIDES. Despite being successfully relocated, the tanker continues to burn, underscoring the volatile situation. The resurgence of hostilities comes after a brief period of calm and follows a pattern of attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthis on over 80 commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since November 2023. These incidents have led to the sinking of two ships, the deaths of four crew members, and the ongoing captivity of another vessel and its crew. This series of events continues to pose significant risks to international maritime operations in the region. Source: gCaptain #RedSea #BabElMandeb #Maritime #Disruption #Shipping

Maritime Security Bulletin and Advisory Re: (2) Vessels Have Collided Off the Coast of Iran (Knidos and Nadeen)(AIS Reportedly Turned Off on One of the Vessels) Issued by Sanborn Analytics Date: September 9th, 2024   Contact: outreach@sanbornanalytics.us | (+1) (617)-539-6114   Media Credit: Maritime-Executive (see link) --- Sanborn Analytics issues this maritime security bulletin and advisory to inform the maritime shipping community and armed naval forces at sea of a vessel collision in Iranian waters. Incident Report: Cargo Ship Collision off the Coast of Iran On September 9th, 2024, Turkish authorities reported that the crew of a Turkish-owned and managed cargo ship, Knidos, is safe after a collision with the Nadeen, a bulker, off the coast of Iran. The circumstances leading to the collision were not immediately provided, but the crew was safely rescued from a life raft after the vessels collided. According to the Turkish General Directorate of Maritime Affairs (DSGM), rescue centers in Ankara and Bandar Abbas coordinated the successful recovery of the Knidos crew. The Knidos, an 8,900 dwt general cargo ship managed by Elkenz Shipping of Istanbul, was en route from Dammam Port in Saudi Arabia to Mina Saqr Port in the United Arab Emirates when the incident occurred. At approximately midnight local time, an EPIRB emergency signal was received from the Knidos. Reports indicate that the 13-member crew abandoned the vessel after the ship collided with the Nadeen (28,396 dwt), a bulker inbound from India. The Knidos sustained significant damage, particularly to the starboard stern quarter, which led to the engine room flooding, putting the vessel at risk of capsizing. All crew members were safely rescued from the life raft by the crew of the Nadeen and are currently aboard the Bulker, which is registered in St. Vincent & Grenadines and managed out of the UAE. There were no reported injuries among the crew of either vessel. The Nadeen remains underway, but its destination port has yet to be declared. Advisory:    Mariners and naval forces operating in the region should remain alert to potential navigational hazards and vessel traffic management near the collision site. Further investigations are ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. --- Sanborn Analytics provides this bulletin to ensure the safety and awareness of maritime operators globally. #maritimesecurity #iran #turkiye https://lnkd.in/efnWYNf4

The report has it vessels operating in them remain at a high risk of piracy, coupled with a risk of vessel damage due to ongoing conflict in the region. . www.vegaworldwide.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #logitics #supplychainmanagement #maritime #worldwide #vega

Interesting story from Splash Maritime and Offshore News (splash247.com): https://lnkd.in/d5Xb26qQ Best quote: "The rise in demand for private maritime security companies (PMSCs) has once again brought calls for this industry to face greater regulation." While it's unlikely that there will be surge of maritime security companies similar to 2009/2010, there will undoubtedly be some who see an opportunity. Whether that's a good thing for an industry niche that has not seen a great amount of regulation so far is very much up for debate. At the very least, however, nobody is starting from scratch this time as some standards have been implemented. It's also good to look at this discussion from the point of view of seafarers. In many cases, they won't care whether armed guards on their ship would provide protection against specific types of threats. The mere presence of those guards, however, may well be something to provide confidence and it can also be seen as a sign that the operator of the respective ship takes crew concerns into consideration. (Whether that really is the case requires a look at individual cases, but it's definitely a factor that is neither quantifiable nor mentioned very often.) #shipping #security #seafarers #armedguards

The Impact of Somali Piracy and Somaliland's Defense in the Gulf of Aden : The recent release of the Bangladesh-flagged bulk carrier MV ABDULLAH following a reported $5 million ransom payment underscores the persistent challenge of piracy in the Somali Basin. The vessel, which had been held captive by Somali pirates since March 12, 2024, was freed approximately 30 nautical miles south of Eyl, Somalia. The ransom payment, confirmed to have been air-dropped at a location controlled by the pirates, marked a rare public acknowledgment of such transactions. This incident highlights a concerning trend, with regional reports citing 18 fishing vessels and 4 commercial ships hijacked since November 2023. The payment of such a significant ransom could potentially embolden other Pirate Action Groups (PAGs), as regional authorities believe that up to four PAGs are currently operating in the area. The recommendation for ships to implement Best Management Practices 5 (BMP 5) and possibly employ armed security teams while transiting reflects the growing need for robust counter-piracy measures. In stark contrast, Somaliland has demonstrated a notably effective approach to maritime security along the Gulf of Aden without external assistance. Somaliland's strategic implementation of localized maritime policies and its investment in coastal security forces have significantly deterred piracy in its waters. This self-reliant approach not only stabilizes the region but also sets a precedent for effective regional governance in countering piracy without relying on international intervention. This juxtaposition of Somaliland's successful self-help initiatives against the backdrop of ongoing piracy challenges in neighboring waters underscores the varying degrees of maritime security governance in the region.

IMO Monthly Piracy Report - May 2024 The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has released its Monthly Piracy Report for May 2024, detailing several piracy and armed robbery incidents reported by member states and international organizations. Incidents in International Waters: ALFAJR Fishing Vessel (Iran) Incident: 6-7 pirates armed with AK-47s hijacked the vessel, stole supplies, and released the crew. An Indian Naval Warship intervened. Location: Arabian Sea, 60nm East of Raas Cabaad, Somalia Fidan, Product Tanker (Palau) Incident: 10 pirates took control, restrained the crew, and damaged the vessel’s equipment. The crew managed to sail to safety; no cargo was stolen. Location: West Africa, 363nm SSW of Nova Sintra, Cabo Verde Basilisk, General Cargo Ship (Liberia) Incident: Pirates boarded the ship; crew took shelter in the citadel. A warship and helicopter intervened, pirates escaped. Location: Arabian Sea, 400nm SE of Mogadishu, Somalia Unnamed General Cargo Ship (Ghana) Incident: 9 pirates stole equipment, provisions, and kidnapped the Master and Chief Engineer. Location: West Africa, 28nm SW of Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea Chrystal Arctic, Product Tanker (Marshall Islands) Incident: Pirates fired on the tanker; armed guards retaliated, causing a fire on the pirate boat. Location: Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden Incidents in Territorial Waters: Apiradee Naree, Bulk Carrier (Singapore) Incident: 3 robbers boarded, escaped empty-handed after alarm was raised. Location: Malacca Strait, Indonesia GCL Leader, Bulk Carrier (Liberia) Incident: 5 armed perpetrators restrained crew, stole engine spare parts. Location: Malacca Strait, Indonesia Marvel 3/Seronggong 8, Tug (Malaysia) Incident: Perpetrators stole scrap metals Location: South China Sea, Malaysia Ocean Dream, Bulk Carrier (Hong Kong) Incident: 4 robbers stole engine room parts. Location: Malacca Strait, Indonesia Incidents in Port Areas: Hafnia Pacific, Chemical Tanker (Singapore) Incident: 3 armed robbers stole store keys and fire hose nozzles. Location: Malacca Strait, Indonesia ESL Dachan Bay, Container Ship (Portugal) Incident: 2 perpetrators stole equipment; apprehended by Philippine authorities. Location: South China Sea, Manila, Philippines Largo Eden, Chemical Tanker (Liberia) Incident: 6 perpetrators stole paint drums and ropes; recovered by Bangladesh authorities. Location: Indian Ocean, Bangladesh Lodur, Container Ship (Antigua and Barbuda) Incident: Robbers stole rescue boat engine. Location: West Africa, Conakry Port, Guinea Murou, General Cargo Ship (Panama) Incident: 3 perpetrators attempted to board, escaped. Location: Malacca Strait, Indonesia Irvine Bay, Bulk Carrier (Hong Kong) Incident: 4 armed perpetrators stole engine spares. Location: Malacca Strait, Indonesia AAL Merkur, General Cargo Ship (Liberia) Incident: Robber spotted, escaped; nothing stolen. Location: Malacca Strait, Indonesia #MaritimeSecurity #PiracyReport #IMO #SafetyAtSea