Welcome to the Inchcape Red Sea Situation daily bulletin relating to the situation in the Red Sea and Suez Canal for Friday, 23rd of February.
We are very pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Ambrey to transform safety and security in the maritime sector by providing Citadel Inspections, Ship Security Assessments, Anti-Piracy Ship Security Assessments, Ship Security Plan Reviews, and Port Security Assessments. For more information, please see the announcement – Ambrey and Inchcape Shipping Services Join Forces to Revolutionize Safety and Security in the Maritime Sector.
Situation Update
On Thursday, 22nd February US Centcom reported on X (formerly Twitter), “Between 4:30 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. (Sanaa time), on Feb 22, U.S. aircraft and a coalition warship shot down six Iranian-backed Houthi one-way attack (OWA) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in the Red Sea. The OWA UAVs were identified by U.S. Central Command as likely targeting U.S. and coalition warships and were an imminent threat. Later, between 8:30 a.m. and 9:45 a.m., the Houthis fired two anti-ship ballistic missiles from southern Yemen into the Gulf of Aden. The missiles impacted MV Islander a Palau-flagged, U.K.-owned, cargo carrier causing one minor injury and damage. The ship is continuing its voyage.”
In the past few days US Centcom have reported several incidents “On Feb. 21, between 12:00 a.m. and 6:45 p.m. (Sanaa time), U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted four self-defense strikes against seven mobile Houthi Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles and one mobile Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile launcher that were prepared to launch towards the Red Sea. Additionally, during this time frame CENTCOM forces shot down a one-way attack unmanned aircraft system (UAS) in self-defense.”
“On February 19, between 12:30 p.m. and 1:50 p.m. (Sanaa time), Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists fired two anti-ship ballistic missiles at M/V Sea Champion, a Greek-flagged, U.S.-owned bulk carrier bound for the port of Aden in Yemen. One of the missiles detonated near the ship causing minor damage. Nevertheless, her crew proceeded on course to their ultimate destination: delivering grain to Aden, Yemen, for the benefit of the Yemeni people. M/V Sea Champion has delivered humanitarian aid to Yemen 11 times in the past five years.”
“Between 9:30 and 10:45 p.m., Feb. 18, two anti-ship ballistic missiles were launched from Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist-controlled areas of Yemen toward MV Rubymar, a Belize-flagged, UK-owned bulk carrier. One of the missiles struck the vessel, causing damage. The ship issued a distress call and a coalition warship along with another merchant vessel responded to the call to assist the crew of the MV Rubymar. The crew was transported to a nearby port by the merchant vessel.”
Suez Canal Transits
Today there were 38 Suez Transits, which is the average since 1st January.
Ambrey iStream – 21st February 2024
- SOMALIA, 21 FEBRUARY
A Palau-flagged general cargo ship slowed to drifting 58M north-northeast of Boosaaso, Somalia. The vessel was publicly listed as UK-controlled. Her AIS destination was “SYRIAN CREW ON BOARD”.
UNUSUAL ACTIVITY | DRIFTING/SLOWED - SOMALIA, 21 FEBRUARY
Ambrey has noted that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ BEHSHAD appears to have reset her position 52M offshore northwest of Berbera, Somalia, and within 60M of both lanes of the Maritime Security Corridor.
WAR RISK | SIGHTING - YEMEN, 21 FEBRUARY
Ambrey received reports of heightened unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) activity 40NM to the west of Hodeidah, Yemen. Masters were advised to remain cautious and reduce bridge manning.
WAR RISK | SIGHTING - ERITREA, 20 FEBRUARY
Ambrey has been informed of the latest position of the unmanned and unlit open hatch general cargo ship RUBYMAR. This was attacked and abandoned in the Bab al-Mandab.
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS | SIGHTING - YEMEN, 20 FEBRUARY
A Panama-flagged container ship reported sighting an EU Naval Forces vessel whilst underway eastbound in the International Recommended Transit Corridor 148M east of Mukalla, Yemen.
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS | SIGHTING - SOMALIA, 20 FEBRUARY
A Liberia-flagged container ship was reportedly targeted, according to the Houthis, by “a number of suitable naval missiles” in the Gulf of Aden.
WAR RISK | SUSPICIOUS APPROACH - SAUDI ARABIA, 19 FEBRUARY
A tanker and a general cargo ship reported sightings of four unidentified aerial objects west of Jizan, Saudi Arabia, and Midi, Yemen.
WAR RISK | SIGHTING - DJIBOUTI, 19 FEBRUARY
Ambrey is aware of a report of an “attack” in the Bab al-Mandab Strait area, approximately 60M north of Djibouti. Ambrey is investigating and will revert with more information when available.
WAR RISK | PHYSICAL DAMAGE - SAUDI ARABIA, 19 FEBRUARY
Ambrey is aware of a report of a “suspicious approach” 90M west of Jizan, Saudi Arabia. Ambrey is investigating and will revert with more information when available.
WAR RISK | SUSPICIOUS APPROACH - YEMEN, 19 FEBRUARY
A Panama-flagged, UK-affiliated container ship’s AIS transmissions were no longer received after the vessel was observed leaving the westbound lane of the International Recommended Transit Corridor
UNUSUAL ACTIVITY | UNEXPLAINED - YEMEN, 19 FEBRUARY
A Greece-flagged, US-owned bulk carrier reported a second incident approximately 81M southeast of Aden, Yemen. The vessel reported a projectile impacting the water 10-15 metres off the vessel’s starboard
WAR RISK | SUSPICIOUS APPROACH - YEMEN, 19 FEBRUARY
Ambrey is aware of an incident approximately 100M east of Aden, Yemen. Ambrey will revert with further information when available.
WAR RISK | SUSPICIOUS APPROACH - DJIBOUTI, 19 FEBRUARY
An Iran-flagged container ship, SHAMIM, was observed drifting approximately 31M northwest of Djibouti. The vessel had the same ownership structure as the Iranian surveillance vessel, BEHSHAD.
WAR RISK | SIGHTING - YEMEN, 18 FEBRUARY
A Belize-flagged, UK-registered and Lebanese-operated open hatch general cargo ship reported being under attack in the Bab al-Mandeb whilst northbound from Khor Fakkan, UAE, to Varna, Bulgaria.
WAR RISK | PHYSICAL DAMAGE - ERITREA, 16 FEBRUARY
Ambrey is aware of an incident on approximately 72M northwest of Mocha, Yemen. Ambrey is investigating and will revert with updates as available.
WAR RISK | SUSPICIOUS APPROACH - SAUDI ARABIA, 15 FEBRUARY
A Marshall Islands-flagged container ship sighted a military vessel while transiting the Red Sea northbound approximately 132M northwest of Jizan, Saudi Arabia.
WAR RISK | SIGHTING - YEMEN, 15 FEBRUARY
A Liberia-flagged bulk carrier sighted a military vessel while transiting westbound approximately 122M southeast of Nishtun, Yemen.
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS | SIGHTING - ERITREA, 15 FEBRUARY
A Marshall Islands-flagged container ship sighted a military vessel while transiting the Red Sea northbound approximately 113M west of Jizan, Saudi Arabia.
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS | SIGHTING - YEMEN, 15 FEBRUARY
A bulk carrier was targeted by an explosive projectile whilst transiting westbound through the International Recommended Transit Corridor approximately 100M east of Aden, Yemen.
WAR RISK | PHYSICAL DAMAGE - ERITREA, 15 FEBRUARY
A Marshall Islands-flagged container ship sighted a military vessel while transiting the Red Sea northbound approximately 99M southwest of Jizan, Saudi Arabia.
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS | SIGHTING - INTERNATIONAL, 15 FEBRUARY
A Marshall Islands-flagged tanker reported small boat activity while transiting southbound approximately 351M southeast of Duqm, Oman. The vessel sighted one fishing boat.
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS | SIGHTING - SOMALIA, 15 FEBRUARY
In recent days, the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) attempted to arrest a group of alleged pirates in Eyl, Puntland, Somalia. The suspects had landed in Eyl by boat earlier in the week.
CRIME | SUSPICIOUS APPROACH - MOZAMBIQUE, 15 FEBRUARY
Militants have entered the fishing village of Quissanga, Cabo Delgado, and 32M north of Pemba. They did not meet with any resistance as the Mozambican Rapid Intervention Unit
MILITANCY | SIGHTING - YEMEN, 14 FEBRUARY
A merchant vessel sighted two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) while transiting the Bab el-Mandeb approximately 12M southwest of Mocha, Yemen.
WAR RISK | SIGHTING
Algeciras and Gibraltar
We are seeing congestion at Gibraltar with TRT is around 24hrs, many clients are opting to change stem to Algeciras where the situation is more fluid, delays there around 8hrs. Today, Algeciras has 48 vessels at berth and 75 in port. A further 9 are at Anchorage. 29 vessels departed in the last 24 hours, 41 have arrived and a further 14 are expected in the next 24 hours. For enquiries, please contact email issalgecirasops@iss-shipping.com, tel +34 956 022 570.
At Gibraltar, there are 14 of the 17 available berths and 35 vessels in port. 15 vessels are arriving in the next 24 hours, and 23 departed in the last 24 hours. To contact email issgibraltar@iss-shipping.com, tel +350 20072685.
Cape Town
Activity at Cape Town is steady with 21 vessels at the 51 available berths. 6 Vessels arrived in the previous 24 hours with a further 1 arriving in the next 24 Hours. For enquiries please contact email dbnops@issshipping.com.
How can Inchcape Shipping Services help?
As mentioned in previous posts Inchcape Shipping Services announced investment in Leth Agencies. For more information please read the press release. You can continue to contact issegypt@iss-shipping.com for immediate assistance or visit our network for more information.
In addition to Algeciras and Gibraltar, Inchcape Shipping Services is well established in Africa when considering to divert around the Cape of Good Hope. With 14 port offices and a network of carefully selected and vetted partners, our team of experienced agents offer top-notch support and expertise to vessels when they are in port, covering everything from crew welfare and customs formalities to fuel supply and waste management.
We provide:
- 24/7 availability with a local Inchcape representative.
- Direct liaison with the vessel on all aspects of the call when required.
- Critical local expertise and liaison with managing local authorities.
- Assist with crew logistics, including transport to and from the airport, accommodation, and medical assistance.
- Coordination and facilitation of bunker supplies, supervision and sampling.
Our team are ready to support you in Africa and Mauritius. Please contact us for a prompt PDA on these email addresses:
Mauritius: mruops@iss-shipping.com
South Africa: dbnops@iss-shipping.com
Kenya: isskenyaenquiries@iss-shipping.com
Tanzania: youriss.dar@iss-shipping.com
Nigeria: issnigeria@iss-shipping.com
Ghana: iss.ghana@iss-shipping.com
Mozambique: Yourissmozambique@iss-shipping.com
Namibia: wvbops@iss-shipping.com
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