(http://www.MaritimeCyprus.com) It was not exactly a scene out of “Captain Phillips,” but it was still dramatic. Aired on Iranian state TV on July 20th, the UK-flagged oil tanker Stena Impero is seen in the background, flanked by a flotilla of fast-moving Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) boats. Simultaneously, an Iranian Mi-17 helicopter variant hovers…
(http://www.MaritimeCyprus.com) Recent attacks against shipping off Fujairah and in the Gulf of Oman have caused great concern. On 13 June two tankers, in close proximity, suffered explosions and severe damage to hull and machinery whilst underway by what was reported to be multiple magnetic limpet mines. The explosions were at or above the waterline and…
(www.MaritimeCyprus.com) The seas around West Africa remain the world’s most dangerous for piracy, the International Maritime Bureau’s (IMB) latest report reveals. Of the 75 seafarers taken hostage onboard or kidnapped for ransom worldwide so far this year, 62 were captured in the Gulf of Guinea – off the coasts of Nigeria, Guinea, Togo, Benin and…
(http://www.MaritimeCyprus.com) The London insurance market’s Joint War Committee (JWC) has extended the high-risk area for shipping after the Fujiarah tanker attacks. The body said the list now includes Oman, the UAE and the Persian Gulf west of longitude 58°E. The committee also said claims from the attacks will be “significant.” The Joint War Committee has reviewed…
(http://www.MaritimeCyprus.com) A total of 10 incidents of armed robbery against ships (comprising nine actual incidents and one attempted incident) were reported in Asia during January-March 2019 compared to 21 incidents (comprising 15 actual incidents and six attempted incidents) during January-March 2018. This accounts for a 52% decrease in the total number of incidents reported during…
(http://www.MaritimeCyprus.com) The Round Table of international shipping associations plus the OCIMF representing the global shipping and oil industry have announced the geographic boundaries of the ‘High Risk Area’ for piracy in the Indian Ocean have been reduced, with new advice issued to merchant ship operators. The High Risk Area reflects the area where the threat…
(http://www.MaritimeCyprus.com) Recently there were raised concerns about increasing attacks against vessels from missiles, crafts carrying Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and hand-held Anti-Tank Guided Weapons (ATGWs). Due to regional conflict, new threats emerged in October 2016. Analysis of recent incidents has shown that the stern of the hull is a likely target area, especially on tankers.…
