Introduction
Welcome to the Inchcape Red Sea Situation daily bulletin relating to the situation in the Red Sea and Suez Canal for Tuesday, the 13th 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 Monday 12th February US Centcom reported on X (formerly Twitter), “On Feb. 12 from 3:30 to 3:45 a.m. (Sanaa time), Iranian-backed Houthi militants fired two missiles from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward the Bab al-Mandeb. Both missiles were launched toward MV Star Iris, a Greek-owned, Marshall Islands-flagged cargo vessel transiting the Red Sea carrying corn from Brazil. The ship reports being seaworthy with minor damage and no injuries to the crew. Of note, the MV Star Iris’s destination is Bandar Iman Khomeini, Iran.”
Ambrey reported “In the latest event, on the 12th of February, the Houthis targeted a primarily Greece-owned bulk carrier, carrying cargo destined for Iran. The Marshall Islands-flagged bulker was targeted by the Houthis with two missiles in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The first struck the vessel on its starboard side, and the second detonated on the vessel’s port side without causing further damage. The bulker’s owner was Greece-owned but was also listed on the US stock market index, the NASDAQ. She was carrying corn from Vila do Conde, Brazil, and destined for Bandar Imam Khomeini, Iran, and displayed the same on her AIS transmissions. The Houthis issued a statement taking responsibility for the attack and characterised the vessel as ‘American’.”
Consequently, Ambrey have updated their Houthi Targeting Profile – “The Houthis continue to target Israeli, American, and British-linked shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. So far in February, four vessels have been targeted by the Houthis, all with these affiliations. As well as the under-appreciation of historic links of vessels, there is a misperception in parts of the industry that having certain affiliations will altogether negate an attack. The broadening of Houthi targeting of Israeli-affiliations evidences that the target profiles are not fixed, and assessments should be revisited with every warning and event. Ambrey is performing an Ambrey Vessel Affiliation Check (AVAC) for every physical and digital transit and is delivering its Guardian services alongside every physical security transit. Ambrey is also receiving a record number of requests for support in settling charter-party disputes, many of which are ex post facto, indicating a need to engage such services earlier.”
Suez Canal Transits
Yesterday there were 38 Suez Canal Transits. Month to date average is 38 compared to 43 in January.
Algeciras and Gibraltar
Algeciras and Gibraltar are extremely busy. However, flows are working well with no disruption. Today, Algeciras has 38 vessels at berth and 67 in port. 46 vessels departed in the last 24 hours, 39 have arrived and a further 16 are expected in the next 24 hours. Excellent vessel turnaround for Container vessel at 15:18 hours (17:58 hours last week) and but long for Tankers at 56:18 hours (27:34 hours last week). For enquiries, please contact email issalgecirasops@iss-shipping.com, tel +34 956 022 570.
Similarly, Gibraltar is also very busy with vessels at 19 of the 17 available berths and 37 vessels in port. 10 vessels are arriving in the next 24 hours, and 21 departed in the last 24 hours. To contact email issgibraltar@iss-shipping.com, tel +350 20072685.
Ports of Algeciras and Gibraltar. Source: www.worldofports.com
Port Louis
Activity at Port Louis has increased following the Cyclones of a few weeks ago, but it still has capacity with 9 vessels at the 27 available berths. 8 Vessels arrived in the previous 24 hours. Port Louis offers Bunkering at Berth and anchorage within IPL, therefore making it a favourable bunkering location for vessels transiting the Cape of Good Hope. For enquiries please contact email mruops@iss-shipping.com, tel +230 210 0589.
Port Louis, Mauritius. Source: www.worldofports.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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