Security

By Pradeep Balakrishnan

Significant trends for the Risk Areas:

Piracy activities continued to be low in the Gulf of Aden/ Horn of Africa area with no reported incident during the month. On-going conflict in Yemen continues to be a concern for Southern Red sea/Bab El Mandeb area transit. Vessels to exercise caution while transiting Red sea south of Jizan (Saudi Arabia)-area closer to the coast.

Increased migrant activities/ Search and Rescue operations off Libya is a major concern.

08 security incidents were reported in West Africa/Gulf of Guinea Maritime crime area during the month including 02 kidnapping and ransom cases. Vessels being guided on route planning basis recent incidents/ hot spots. Escort boat being arranged for Nigerian port approaches. Armed team being employed onbd during stay off Lome and Cotonou. Further update of alternate arrangement is still awaited from Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) post cessation of Lagos SAA patrol boat services on 27th January. As per un-confirmed reports, Nigerian navy is planning to implement earlier proposed ‘Deep Blue project’ which aims to provide security solutions within the Nigerian maritime domain to all vessels. As a temporary measure Nigerian navy armed team being employed onboard during Lagos anchorage stay.

Based on the current situation and the continued threat from pirates in the Gulf of Guinea, Danish National ISPS Coordination Authority has instructed Danish vessels to operate at ISPS Level 2 in the Gulf of Guinea.

Horn of Africa (Red Sea /Gulf of Aden /Arabian Sea):

There was no report of piracy attack during the month.

Hijacking Approach Attack Nil Nil Nil

Gulf of Guinea/West Africa:

There was no reported hijacking. Out of 08 reported incidents, 02 were kidnapping and ransom- one from a chemical tanker in position 214 n miles south of Cotonou and second from a barge in Bonny River.

Hijacking Kidnap/Ransom Attack/ Robbery

Nil 02 08

Southeast Asia:

04 boarding incidents were reported in the area- 02 of them in Singapore straits.

Major conflicts Areas in Appendix

Hijacking Attacks/ Boarding/ Armed Robbery

Nil 04