In the wake of recent attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea area by Houthis, a Yemen-based rebel group, IAPH joins the International Maritime Organization and international shipping associations in strongly condemning the aggression and supporting the IMO invitation for Member States to work together to ensure unhindered and safe global navigation and the well-being of innocent seafarers everywhere. Shipping industry associations have come together to publish security guidance applicable to navigating in the Southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The guidance emphasises the importance of conducting a thorough ship and voyage-specific threat and risk assessment considering any additional advice from the ship’s flag state before passing through the area in question. The guidance highlights that the maritime threat from the Houthi forces is greater in the vicinity of the Yemeni Red Sea coastline, where they are occasionally present. The guidance also advises against following Houthi instructions to divert to Houthi-controlled ports for detention of the ship and crew. You can find the guidance on the BIMCO website.
