Loss Prevention Advice
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Following renewed attacks on commercial shipping near Yemen, we would like to drawn attention to sanctions compliance and operational maritime safety on the areas of heightened concern.
According to the UKMTO, a vessel transiting the Gulf of Aden, off the coast of Yemen, came under attack on 23 September. The Shipowners’ Club has noted that sanctions compliance and operational maritime safety remain areas of heightened concern. Operators engaging in trade connected to Yemen are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution.
However, decisions regarding the use of armed security, choice of trade routes and other protective measures rest solely with the vessel operator. The recent incidents have involved vessels with outdated or indirect ties to Israel, underscoring the difficulty in identifying potential affiliations. To support risk assessment, a layered approach is recommended, considering factors such as vessel ownership structures and historical port calls to Israel.
Sanctions considerations
Ansarallah involvement: Transactions involving Ansarallah (Houthis) present significant sanctions risk exposure. Particular attention must be given to dealings or transactions with entities owned and controlled (50% or more) by Ansarallah and be treated as high-risk counterparties.
Petroleum products: There are restrictions on the delivery, offloading, or facilitation of petroleum products into Yemen where there is an Ansarallah involvement or port under Ansarallah control. Any Member considering the delivery of cargoes, including refined petroleum products to Yemen is strongly urged to undertake stringent due diligence as to the ownership of the intended port of discharge and the identity of the cargo receiver.
Enhanced due diligence: Ensure comprehensive screening of counterparties, cargoes and trade routes to avoid direct or indirect links with sanctioned parties or restricted goods. Supply chains face heightened scrutiny, with vessels, insurers, and traders exposed to potential secondary sanctions or compliance violations. These risks make financing, shipping, and insurance particularly complex and may bring it within the scope of sanctions.
Vessel and crew safety in the Red Sea
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Over the past week, 23-30 September, three incidents of armed robbery against ships in Asia (one CAT 3 incident and two CAT 4 incidents).
The two CAT 4 incidents occurred on board tankers while at anchor in the anchorages of Malaysia and Philippines. The CAT 3 incident occurred onboard a tanker while underway in the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) of the Singapore Strait (SS). One crew was tied up in one of the incidents, but the crew members were not injured in all three incidents. Ship stores and engine spares were stolen in two incidents and nothing was stolen in one incident.
Area of concern
With the new incident reported in SS, a total of 97 incidents were reported in SOMS since January 2025. The ships shall to exercise enhanced vigilance when transiting SOMS and the littoral States to increase patrols and enforcement in these areas.
Situation of abduction of crew in the Sulu-Celebes seas and waters off Eastern Sabah
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Global maritime security remains volatile this week, with incidents reported across the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea and broader Red Sea region — highlighting the evolving risks facing commercial shipping, according to the latest Dryad Global maritime intelligence brief.
There have been heightened threats in the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea, despite repeated assurances from Houthi authorities about maritime safety. The waters of the Southern Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Sea remain among the most dangerous in the world. Ongoing missile attacks, crew detentions, and a resurgence of piracy continue to pose significant challenges to vessel operators and disrupt global supply chains.
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Port State Control (PSC) inspectors often form their initial judgment based on the condition and cleanliness of the engine room. A well-kept vessel is sure to make a good first impression with PSC inspectors and other ISM auditors.
Make a Good Catch by keeping the engine room clean and well-lit so that fire and safety hazards are reduced.
Full advisory at the following link.
https://www.american-club.com/files/files/MA_090425_Good_Catch_Update_Make_a_Good_Impression.pdf