Joint War Committee expands Listed Areas, raising premiums across the Gulf

March 5 ------ Amid escalating tensions and a deteriorating maritime security environment in the Middle East, the Joint War Committee has expanded its Listed Areas to include five additional Gulf states and revised key regional boundaries.

The ongoing U.S., Israel and Iran conflict marks a significant escalation of long-standing tensions, creating a highly volatile and fluid maritime security environment. Vessels operating in the region face a range of evolving threats, and ships are advised to avoid transiting the Arabian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Oman and the Northern Arabian Sea. In addition, spillover risks are anticipated in the Red Sea, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden and these areas should likewise be avoided. As of 4 March, two key developments are shaping the day-to-day feasibility of Gulf trades.

First, the insurance landscape has shifted. The Joint War Committee has expanded its Listed Areas, a move that typically results in higher additional premiums and more restrictive voyage terms for vessels entering or operating within the newly defined zones.

Bahrain, Djibouti, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar have been added to the Hull War, Piracy, Terrorism and Related Perils Listed Areas, and the boundaries of the wider Persian/Arabian Gulf–Gulf of Oman–Indian Ocean–Gulf of Aden–Southern Red Sea region have been amended. Although application depends on individual policies, such listings generally trigger increased costs and stricter conditions for calls and transits in these waters, according to Skuld Club.

Second, while the Strait of Hormuz has not been formally closed, the operational environment has become more restrictive. Naval advisory channels are discouraging transit, vessel traffic is concentrating around a limited number of anchorages and ports, and recent incidents, including a USV strike and a fatality alongside in Bahrain, underscore the heightened risk profile. Taken together, these developments move the situation from precautionary to operational constraint, directly affecting routing decisions, port calls, crew logistics and schedule reliability.

According to MSCIO latest maritime security notice it has been noted that traffic keeps significantly reduced, with negligible inbound/outbound traffic. It has been observed big clustering of merchant vessels anchored or loitering in the following locations:

• Jebel Ali

• Dubai

• Khor Fakkan

• Fujairah

• Eastern part SOH TSS

• Eastern part of GOO/Northern part of Arabian Sea

Enhanced caution and vigilance are advised when transiting or loitering in these areas, and maintain safe separation distances.

It is advised for merchant vessels to:

• Consult any guidance issued by their Flag State or competent national authorities when considering transit

• Perform enhanced risk assessment

• Transit through the Strait of Hormuz is currently discouraged

• Strictly adhere to BMP-MS

• Monitor Ch16 VHF and be prepared to be hailed

• Use AIS as per company policy

• Whenever possible, increase distance from any naval forces to mitigate risk

• Enhance radar and landmark procedures to support safe navigation, since GNSS are highly likely to be unreliable

"Be aware the environment in the region is dynamic in the region and may change with limited notice. It is encouraged to maintain a high level of situational awareness and monitor official channels," MSCIO highlights.

Source: safety4sea.com