Experts Discuss Maritime Security Risks

January 23 ------ This week’s maritime security report from Palaemon Maritime starts by saying: “Hello Shipmate, this week saw a sharp escalation in maritime security incidents across Europe, the Americas and Southeast Asia.”

Key developments include:

• Ballistic missile attack on Chornomorsk Port, Ukraine, causing container damage and an oil spill

• Greek-managed oil tankers hit by drone strikes near the CPC terminal off Novorossiysk

• A Panama-flagged vessel struck by a Russian UAV, injuring one crew member

• A cargo vessel sunk in the Caspian Sea; all 14-crew rescued

• Americas – U.S. forces seized a Guyana-flagged tanker near Venezuela as part of ongoing shadow-fleet enforcement

• Armed robbers boarded a bulk carrier, stealing engine spare parts

• A second attempt targeted a barge under tow in the eastbound TSS lane.

The maritime security environment is evolving, and the January issue of Maritime Reporter magazine features a look at the flexibility of OCIMF’s new SIRE 2.0 Focused Inspection Campaign by Dave Cudbertson, OCIMF Programs Director. Cudbertson focuses on its ability to help the industry keep pace by strengthening vessel hardening processes, equipment and procedures to protect seafarers.

Source: marinelink.com