Red Sea Crisis – Shipping Industry awaiting Houthi’s response to Ceasefire Deal – 16.01.2025

Israel and Hamas have agreed on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal following 15 months of war with the shipping industry now looking towards the Houthis of Yemen to see if they will stop targeting merchant ships and bring an end to the Red Sea shipping crisis. However, it remains uncertain whether Houthi attacks […]
Casualty – General Cargo Ship ISA STAR abandoned after Engine Room Flooding – 05.12.2024

On Thursday 5th December the Polish Built ship ISA STAR sent a distress call while sailing in the Red Sea. The crew reported flooding in the engine room and announced their intention to abandon ship. In response to the master’s request for assistance, EUNAVFOR ASPIDES launched a rescue operation and dispatched a Marine Nationale (French […]
Red Sea Crisis – Salvage Armada starts towing Delta Tankers SOUNION – September 2024

The 2006 built crude oil tanker SOUNION which was hit last 21stAugust by Iran-backed Houthis off the coast of Hodeida while carrying 150,000 tons of crude oil started being towed threatening environmental disaster. The 2010 Polish built anchor handling tug/supply ship AIGAION PELAGOS started towing the tanker escorted by military vessels after she left Kali […]
Casualties – Rescue Operations from capsized tanker PRESTIGE FALCON off Oman – 17.07.2024

Omani authorities say nine members of 16 crew comprising of 13 Indians and three Sri Lankans have been rescued, after going missing when their tanker capsized off the coast of Oman last Monday 15th July, 2024. One other has been found dead. The Indian Navy announced that 8 Indians and 1 Sri Lankan from the […]
Containers – Containership CMA CGM JULES VERNE escorted by French Navy – February 2024

Last month in coordination with French naval forces, the Explorer Class 396 m container ship CMA CGM JULES VERNE transited the Red Sea without incident, escorted by the French Navy Aquitaine Class (FREMM) frigate FS ALSACE D 656. The French shipping and transport company CMA CGM stated that Tuesday 20th February her container ship CMA […]
Naval News – German Navy Frigate FGS HESSEN F 221 involved in drone shooting at the Red Sea – 27.02.2024

Last Tuesday 27th February, 2024 the German Navy Type 124 Sachsen class frigate FGS HESSEN F 221 has downed two Houthi drones at close range while operating in the Red Sea. In addition, the frigate accidentally fired on an American MQ-9 Reaper drone while confused as to its identity. This spate of action comes just a […]
Red Sea Crisis – British bulker RUBYMAR sinks – 02.03.2024

The BLZ flag bulker RUBYMAR loaded with around 21, 000 tons of ammonium phosphate sulfate fertilizer attacked by Yemen’s Houthi rebels has sunk in the Red Sea after days of taking on water, officials said Saturday, the first vessel to be fully destroyed as part of their campaign over Israel’s war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. When […]
Naval News – Italian Navy Destroyer ITS CAIO DUILIO D 554 Shoots Down Drone In Red Sea – 03.03.2024

On Sunday 3rd March, 2024 the Marina Militare Italiana (Italian Navy) Horizon Class Destroyer ITS CAIO DUILIO D 554 shot down a drone in the Red Sea using her Oto Melara 76 mm gun. The drone bearing similar characteristics to those already used in previous attacks, was around 6 kilometers from the Italian ship, heading […]
Red Sea Crisis – British bulker RUBYMAR has not sunk – 22.02.2024

Last Monday 19th February,2024 the Houthi fighters claimed to have sunk the bulk carrier RUBYMAR. It would have been the most significant incident since attacks on ships began in November. The Houthis had earlier said the vessel was in danger of sinking after claiming the attack that took place in the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb […]
Naval News – Iran Converts Containership into Drone Carrier

To add to merchant shipping’s long list of concerns surrounding the security situation in the Middle East, Iran is readying to launch the first drone carrier – SHAHID BAGHERI a former containership. She was built in South Korea by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) in 2000 as the 3,280 TEU container ship IRAN ASFAHAN. Trading until […]