SOLACE GLOBAL

SOLACE GLOBAL

MARITIME MONTHLY

APRIL/MAY 2019

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MARITIME

MARITIME SUMMARY • April/May 2019

Solace Global Maritime Summary

The biggest story in the region in the past weeks has been the attack on four vessels off the coast of Fujairah port, United Arab

Emirates. It remains unclear who carried out what is being termed as an act of sabotage; with no claims of responsibility forthcoming

at the time of writing. To read more, see our Maritime brief at: https://www.solaceglobal.com/news/2019/05/14/fujairah-maritime-brief/

The incident was followed by an alleged drone attack on Saudi Arabian oil and gas infrastructure. As a result, there has been an

increase in tension in the region which have coincided with the deployment of a US carrier group. The United States had been

planning to deploy a carrier battle group and a bomber group to the Middle East prior to these incidents with the deployments,

according to the US intelligence service, a reaction to ‘the increased Iranian threat against US interests.’ At this time, it is unclear

exactly when the carrier group will arrive in the region or what the exact composition of the fleet will be.

The deployment also comes after the Iranian Revolutionary Guard allegedly managed to capture drone footage of an American

aircraft carrier, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency. The footage shows the USS Dwight D Eisenhower with numerous

MARITIME PIRACY ARMED CONFLICT TERRORISM

HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH

INDIAN OCEAN

21 Apr: Attempted Attack

http://www.solaceglobal.com/

https://www.solaceglobal.com/news/2019/05/14/fujairah-maritime-brief/


MARITIME


aircraft on the carrier’s deck. Tasnim did not say when the footage was shot; however, according to a US naval spokeswoman, the

USS Dwight D Eisenhower has not been in the Gulf since 2016.

Another noticeable change in the region is the shrinking of the High Risk Area (HRA). These changes have shrunk the size of the

HRA (map below) in relation to the attacks that have occurred in the past five years. Otherwise, there was only one notable incident

in the region: an attempted attack on two trawlers some 250 nautical miles off the Somali.

Following the terror attack in Sri Lanka on 25 April, the Indian Coast Guard are on high alert along the maritime boundary. According

to intelligence sources, there are fears that those behind the deadly attacks may attempt to escape from Sri Lanka and try to enter

India via a sea route. As a result, a number of vessels and Dornier maritime surveillance aircraft have been deployed on the maritime

border with Sri Lanka with the aim of with preventing any attempt by terrorists to escape to India.

As part of the increased security measures, on Monday, 22 April, the Indian Coast Guard apprehended four Indian fishermen from

the 4th islet in Rama Setu near Dhanushkodi in Rameswaram Island. They were later released after being interrogated at the

Mandapam Coast Guard station.

Indian Intelligence is acutely aware of the threats posed by terrorists using boats as part of their attacks. This is due to the Mumbai

terror attacks in 2008; with the perpetrators using a boat to travel from Pakistan to India. The use of speedboats also gave the

attackers access deep into Mumbai to quickly launch their attack.

Finally, there are concerns that the new European Subsidies for the EU Fishing Fleet Could Devastate the Seychelles’ Tuna Stocks.

The European Parliament voted, on 4 April, to affirm a proposal to re-introduce fishing subsidies in the European Maritime and

Fisheries Fund in the post-2020 fund. The decision could upgrade Europe’s fishing fleet, threatening the island nation’s fisheries

sector.

DATE NOTABLE MARITIME INCIDENTS IN HIGH RISK AREA AND EAST AFRICA

21 April Two trawlers were involved in an incident early on 21 April approximately 248nm SE of Mogadishu, Somalia. One

trawler approached by two skiffs with between eight and ten people on board. The second trawler went to provide aid

and was fired upon. Embarked AST returned fire and skiffs left the area. Both trawlers and their crews were declared

safe.



MARITIME


The Gulf of Guinea continues to see a severe level of piracy. The most notable incidents in the past few weeks include the kidnapping of six

crewmembers at the Bonny Outer Anchorage, Nigeria on 19 April and the 5 May hijacking of a vessel in Equatorial Guinean waters around

90nm south of Bonny Island. On 16 April, the Nigerian military destroyed a major oil smuggling hub.

On 19 April, six crew members of a Palau-flagged tanker were kidnapped by pirates off Nigeria. The incident occurred at the Bonny Outer

Anchorage where the Apecus was boarded by a number of pirates. The remaining crew were reported safe, the Nigerian Navy has been

notified and an investigation into the incident has been launched. Prior to this incident, on 9 April, an unidentified vessel was freed by a

Spanish warship after being held hostage for four days.

The attack on 5 May involved seven armed pirates boarding the heavy load carrier Blue Marlin at around 1200 UTC SW of Luba port, Bioko

Island, Equatorial Guinea. The crew had managed to retreat to the citadel as the pirates boarded. The attackers then demanded that the crew

surrender, giving all money and valuables to them. After their demands were rejected, the pirates found a gap to fire into the citadel; however,

they were unable to hit any of the crew.

While the situation was unfolding, the vessel’s distress signal had alerted Operations and Surveillance Center of the Navy (COVAM) who

informed and dispatched the nearby Spanish patrol vessel to lend aid. On the morning of 6 May, Special Naval Warfare Force (FGNE)

members from the Servola P-71 freed the hijacked vessel. It remains unclear if the pirates were killed, captured or managed to escape. It is

understood that the vessel was then escorted to the nearest port.

Solace Global Comment: This attack, coupled with the kidnappings and the numerous other attacks occurring throughout the region for the

past months, demonstrate the severe piracy risk that vessels face when transiting the Gulf of Guinea; especially in proximity to Nigerian

waters. Furthermore, the efforts by countries in the region, especially Nigeria, to address this risk has been less than adequate.

On land, the Nigerian army has destroyed one of the biggest illegal oil camps in the Niger Delta controlled and operated by oil thieves. The


HIGH SEVERE MODERATE HIGH

GULF OF GUINEA AND WEST COAST OF AFRICA

8 Apr: Suspicious approach 9 Apr: Vessel rescued 15 Apr: Vessel boarded 19 Apr: Vessel boarded 20 Apr: Tanker attacked 27 Apr: Crew kidnapped 3 May: Vessel fired upon 7 May: Attempted robbery

28 Apr: Robbery on anchored vessel

5 Apr: Vessel attacked and hijacked 24 Apr: Attempted robbery 25 Apr: Attempted robbery 3 May: Vessel boarded

5 May: Vessel Hijacked and subsequently freed

12 May: Vessel hijacked; pirates arrested



MARITIME


soldiers, according to the reports, destroyed 700 oil drums, 150 storage tanks, and approximately sixty boats on 16 April. The operation was

part of an attempt by the Nigerian government to crack down on illegal operations in the region.

Further south, away from the Gulf of Guinea, two people died onboard the Russian-flagged Antartic supply vessel, Vasiliy Golovnin on 25

April. The vessel had been en route to Cape Town before delivering supplies and replacement research teams to the Indian Antarctic Scientific

bases, Bharati and Maitri. In a statement, the company operating the vessel said that the individuals had died in an accident and not while

performing their duties or due to the weather conditions.

DATE NOTABLE MARITIME INCIDENTS IN GULF OF GUINEA AND WEST AFRICA

5 April Nine pirates armed with automatic weapons and an RPG boarded a Nigeria-flagged tanker undergoing sea trials near

Lagos, Nigeria. Duty officer raised the alarm and crew took shelter. The pirates took the duty officer hostage and

instructed all the crew members to come out of hiding. They damaged the navigation and communication equipment,

stole crew and ship property, locked the crew in one cabin and took the Master as hostage. On 9 April, a Spanish Navy

Warship tried to establish communication with the tanker. Upon receiving no response, the warship approached the

tanker, resulting in the pirates escaping. The Master told the naval boarding team that they had been held hostage for

four days. After investigations the naval boarding team disembarked. While continuing on the voyage the tanker’s main

engines were shut down due to overheating. The C/E noticed an ingress of water in the engine room, which was fixed.

Without communication equipment the tanker was adrift for 12 days before being able to hail a fishing boat allowing the

Master to establish contact with the owners who arranged for the tanker to be towed to Ghana. The tanker arrived at

Ghana anchorage on 22 April.

8 April Underway MV reported suspicious approach around 17nm South of Kwa Ibo coast, Nigeria. Further details were limited;

however, the vessel appears to have continued its journey unimpeded.

9 April An underway Nigeria-flagged oil tanker was observed by a Spanish naval patrol boat to be conducting erratic

manoeuvres around 83nm SW of Brass, Nigeria. The Spanish PB noted that the tanker AIS not transmitting and on

approach a fast boat with nine suspected pirates was seen departing the vicinity. The tanker Captain reported that the

vessel had been attacked, boarded & hijacked by pirates carrying AK-47 and RPG four days prior. No injuries were

sustained by the 12 crew members and the vessel was able to proceed to safe port after replenishment of food.

15 April Four persons on a speed boat armed with automatic weapons approached an anchored product tanker in Bonny River

Inner Anchorage, Nigeria. Two persons managed to board the tanker and open fire towards the accommodation. The

onboard Nigerian naval guards returned fire, resulting in the persons retreating onto their boat and escaping. One guard

was injured during the shooting and was given first aid by the crew. Two security boats responded and approached the

tanker. The injured guard was transferred to a security boat and taken ashore for medical assistance. The remaining

crew reported safe.

16 April The Nigerian army has destroyed one of the biggest illegal oil camps in the Niger Delta controlled and operated by oil

thieves, local media report. The soldiers, according to the reports, destroyed 700 oil drums, 150 storage tanks, and

some sixty boats.

19 April An anchored Palau-flagged tanker was boarded by a number of unauthorised persons who kidnapped six crew members

and escaped at 1330 UTC in position Bonny Outer Anchorage, Nigeria. The remaining crew reported safe. The Nigerian

navy was notified, and investigations are ongoing.

20 April A tanker was attacked off Bonny Island, Nigeria. Vessels in the area were advised to exercise caution in the region.

Further details were not readily available.

24 April Duty AB while on deck rounds reported robbers onboard near Lagos Anchorage, Nigeria. The ships' alarm was raised



MARITIME


immediately, upon hearing the alarm, the robbers jumped overboard and escaped. The NNS RANGER was informed of

the incident and deployed to assist the vessel. The ship and crew are reportedly safe.

25 April Three robbers in a small craft approached and boarded an anchored Marshall Islands-flagged tanker in Lagos

Anchorage, Nigeria. Duty AB on routine rounds noticed the robbers near the cargo tank and notified the OOW. The

alarm was raised, PA announcement made, and crew mustered. Hearing the alarm and seeing the crew alertness, the

robbers jumped overboard along with their hose and escaped in their boat. The incident was reported to a naval patrol

boat. Nothing was reported stolen.

27 April Two foreign workers and one Nigerian national were kidnapped from an oil rig in Nigeria’s Delta region early on 27 April.

As many as 12 gunmen are believed to have been involved in the attack which took place at around 08:00 local time.

The incident marked the second such attack in the space of a week.

28 April Early on 28 April, an anchored MV was boarded by two robbers armed with long knives Ango Ango Inner Anchorage,

DR Congo. The deck watch spotted the robbers and the Chief Officer raised the alarm. The Master then ordered crew

to proceed to the citadel. The robbers stole mooring ropes and left the vessel without injuring any crew members.

3 May A MV was reportedly attacked early evening on 3 May around 97nm of Brass, Nigeria. Shots were fired toward the

vessel while the master ordered evasive measures. The pirates were ultimately unsuccessful in boarding the vessel.

3 May Duty crew onboard an anchored tanker noticed two robbers near the cargo tank with a hose in the Secure Anchorage

Area (SAA), Lagos, Nigeria. The vessel’s alarm was raised, and a PA announcement made. Seeing the alerted crew,

the robbers escaped in their boat with their hose. A patrol boat was informed and came to search the area. Nothing was

reportedly stolen.

5 May The heavy load carrier Blue Marlin was reportedly attacked 92nm SSE of Bonny Island, Nigeria. By Monday, 6 May,

evening, it was reported that the vessel and crew were safe and remained under military escort.

7 May Offshore supply vessel boarded by two robbers in the Federal Ocean Terminal, Onne Port, Nigeria. Robbers used a

canoe to reach the vessel. Duty Ab spotted them, raised the alarm and the robbers escaped empty handed.

12 May Anchored Togo-flagged chemical tanker boarded in Lomé anchorage, Togo. Eight armed perpetrators in a canoe

approached and boarded the vessel. Togo naval ops observed erratic manoeuvres and were unable to contact the

vessel, subsequently despatched a naval team to investigate. On arriving on scene, the team boarded the vessel,

arrested eight suspected pirates (6 Nigerian and 2 Togolese nationals). The perpetrators were handed over to the

Maritime Gendarmerie for further investigation. The tanker was then escorted to Lomé.



MARITIME


There was a number of incidents in Asia in the past month; however, when compared with West Africa, the area is enjoying a relatively quiet

period. The continued operations by the Philippine military against Abu Sayyaf have stifled the militant group’s ability to conduct operations in

the region. Despite the positives, tensions around the South China Sea continue to impact the region, with the disputed area continuing to be

used as part of the ongoing trade disputes between China and the United States.

Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) 2019 ran from 6 to 14 April at Marina Square central atrium in the city-state. The nine-day event was held

emphasising connectivity, innovations and talent, as well as commemorating Singapore’s Bicentennial. Many of the companies in attendance,

as well as the line-up and conferences, focused on strengthening Singapore’s connectivity and linkages with the global maritime industry. The

event is part of Singapore’s efforts to help build a “future-ready” and skilled maritime workforce.

Taiwan has issued a request for a tender to build a new amphibious vessel for its navy. The tender is set to close on 10 May, with the first of

the ships expected to enter service in 2021. The navy has allocated up to 207million USD for the project. The vessels will be used to support

amphibious operations and transport tasks, as well as to act as hospital ships and take part in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief

missions in peacetime. The vessels will replace a trio of former American Amphibious transport docks.

On 6 May, China told two US warships to turn back after they sailed near the disputed Islands in the South China Sea without permission

from Beijing. The move comes amid heightened tension between Beijing and Washington over trade tariffs, sanctions and Taiwan. According

to reports, the US guided-missile destroyers Preble and Chung-Hoon came within 12 nautical miles of the Gaven and Johnson reefs; which

are considered by Beijing to be in Chinese waters. Both the reefs have been turned into artificial islands with military instillations by the Chinese

government. According to reports, the military bases on the islands are armed with anti-aircraft guns, CIWS missile-defence systems and

naval guns.


MODERATE HIGH MODERATE HIGH

SOUTH EAST ASIA

23 Apr: Robbery on underway vessel 24 Apr: Vessel boarded and robbed

26 Apr: Vessel boarded

10 May: Attempted boarding

11 May: Vessel robbed



MARITIME


Additionally, the region also saw a number of incidents between vessels; one of which resulted in a fatality. On 23 April, a Thailand-flagged

LPG flagged tanker, the NP Bangpakong, collided with a coastal fishing vessel in the Gulf of Siam. The incident occurred at 14:45 local time

around 8 nautical miles off the west coast of Koh Chang island, in Trat Province, Thailand. The tanker is understood to have assisted in rescue

operations following the incident; it is unclear if poor weather conditions contributed to the incident.

Elsewhere, two ferries collided on 22 April near the port of Merak, Java, Indonesia at around 16:30 local time. Both vessels suffered extensive

damage; including hull breaches on one of the vessels, the Windu Karsa Dwitya. A witness from the scene stated that a crewmember fell

overboard during the incident and is still missing. Additionally, one passenger required immediate hospitalisation.

The bulk carrier Wise Honest, which was detained in Indonesia in April 2018, has been seized by the United States for breaching North Korean

sanctions. The US had filed a seizure warrant in July last year and on 9 May, it was announced that Indonesia had handed over the ship, and

the vessel was now on its way to the US. The announcement came right after North Korea carried out two weapons tests in the space of a

week; in what is widely seen as an attempt to increase pressure on the US over its failure to make concessions over sanctions. However,

American officials stressed that the announcement had nothing to do with the North Korean tests.

DATE NOTABLE MARITIME INCIDENTS IN SOUTH EAST ASIA

23 April An underway Cyprus-flagged tugboat towing a backhoe dredger was boarded by two robbers at about early

morning approximately 5nm WNW of Nipa island, Indonesia. Two wooden boats were sighted alongside the

dredger. The Master shone light at the towed vessel, and the two robbers escaped via the wooden boats. The

crew were reported safe and no items were reported stolen. The pilot on board the tugboat reported the incident

to Singapore’s VTIS, who initiated the safety navigational broadcast and notified the Singapore Police Coast

Guard, the RSN and the Indonesian authorities.

24 April An underway Malaysia-flagged tugboat towing a barge was boarded by three to four robbers early on 24 April

morning just off Tanjung Piai, Malaysia. The master reported the incident to Singapore’s VTIS who informed the

Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA). The crew were reported safe and no items were reported

stolen.

26 April Two robbers boarded a berthed container ship at 2105 UTC in position Jakarta Container Terminal, Indonesia.

The duty oiler on routine rounds noticed the robbers in the engine room and raised the alarm. Hearing the

alarm, the robbers escaped empty handed. A search was made throughout the ship and nothing was reported

stolen.

10 May Unidentified persons in a speedboat approached and closed onto a bulk carrier underway. The vessel’s alarm

was raised, the crew were mustered, and fire hoses pressurised at around 1 am local, 115nm East of Baganga,

Philippines. The persons were observed to be shouting towards the ship while holding steel hooks. After 30

mins of chasing, the boat aborted and moved away. The targeted vessel resumed her passage.

11 May Unnoticed robbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier and escaped with engine spare parts in Lubuk Gaung

Anchorage, Dumai Port, Indonesia. The 3rd engineer noticed the robbery when he went to the engine room and

found the spare parts room broken into. Alarm raised and a search was carried out.



MARITIME


The Americas have seen a much more active month with numerous incidents occurring across the region. In addition to an increase

in maritime incidents, there has been a continued increase in the threat level from Venezuela; both on the sea by desperate fishermen

targeting Trinidadian vessels and on land as unrest continues to cause widespread violence and disruptions. Additionally, the US

Coast Guard (USCG) is continuing to see success in tackling the illicit drug trade in the Caribbean.

The majority of the incidents in the region have been attempted robberies of vessels at anchor. In most cases, crews have not been

targeted and no injuries were reported. However, an attack on a yacht off the coast of Panama resulted in the death of a New Zealand

national; as well as injuries of two others. The incident happened 2 nautical miles northeast of San Ignacio de Tupile. According to

sources, the boat was boarded and an escalation into violence occurred when the family on the yacht investigated the noises.

The pirates are understood to have been armed with machetes and rifles. The man was shot and killed while the two others, a woman

and the couple’s daughter, received machete wounds. The attackers have been identified, along with a minor who is alleged to not

have taken part in the attacks on the individuals but was involved in boarding the vessel, and they have been charged with aggravated

homicide, robbery, criminal association and mistreatment of a minor.

The USCG says it has seized nearly 970 pounds of cocaine and 550 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated 13.5 million USD in

the Caribbean Sea. According to the USCG, the drugs were seized off the coasts of Jamaica, Haiti and Colombia, with one case

resulting in the seizure of 970 pounds of cocaine by the cutter Raymond Evans.


LOW LOW LOW LOW

AMERICAS

14 Apr: Vessel fired upon

19 Apr: Vessel robbed, and crew attacked

25 Apr: Vessel approached

25 Apr: Vessel robbed

25 Apr: Yacht attacked



MARITIME


The Yacht Services Association of Trinidad and Tobago (YSATT) stated that a 55-foot Beneteau sailboat was approached by a vessel

allegedly carrying eight Venezuelan men on 14 April. The yacht refused to stop for the alleged pirates and, in heavy seas, began

evasive manoeuvres. This made the vessel extremely hard to board, given the conditions, and allowed them to escape as the pirates

abandoned their attack.

However, the attackers on the Venezuelan vessel fired a number of shots at the sailboat, resulting in damage to the yacht. Despite

the gunfire, no injuries were reported by those on the sailboat.

The Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard

(TTCG) have stated that they are

investigating the incident. The coast guard

will also increase patrols in the waters

around Trinidad and Tobago; as well as in

the region around the country’s oil and gas

platforms north of Trinidad. The TTCG do

have a good working relationship with their

Venezuelan counterparts; officials have

stated that they would be stepping up their

communications with the Venezuelan

Coast Guard as well as with the Grenadian

coast guard.

While incidents have been infrequent, they signal a growing threat presented by the instability in Venezuela. Yachts, fishermen and

the country's oil platforms are all at risk from possible pirate attacks by former fishermen from Venezuela. This is especially true of

small sailboats that lack the size or speed to evade possible attacks. Amongst the gas platforms that are most at risk are those located

at the Chaconia and Hibiscus gas fields (map above) due to their proximity to Venezuelan waters.

Elsewhere in the Caribbean, a US cruise ship, reported to have been the Freewinds, was placed in quarantine by the St Lucian

authorities after a case of measles was reported on board. Dr Merlene Fredericks James, the island’s chief medical officer, said there

was a confirmed case of measles on board and "thought it prudent that we quarantine the ship". As a result, no one was allowed to

leave the vessel given the risk that one person could spread Measles to the island population. The Freewinds is reported to be owned

and operated by the Church of Scientology.

DATE NOTABLE MARITIME INCIDENTS IN AMERICAS

14 April An underway Trinidad & Tobago-flagged yacht was approached by an open small boat with 8 people on board.

The yacht managed to escape despite being fired upon. More information above.

14 April Five robbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier using a rope attached with a hook Callao Anchorage, Peru. The

duty AB on routine rounds was attacked, threatened and hit by the robbers. The alarm was raised, and the rest

of the crew mustered. Upon seeing the alerted crew, the robbers escaped with stolen personal belongings.

19 April A boat with around eight to ten persons was approached a container ship under pilotage and attempted to board

via the rigged pilot ladder at around dawn in the Buenaventura Channel, Colombia. Duty lookout noticed the

boat and raised the alarm. Crew mustered near the pilot ladder resulting in the boat aborting and moving away.

The pilot notified the coast guard and a patrol boat was dispatched to investigate.

Picture from: http://www.looptt.com/content/pirate-attack-recorded-trinidads-north-coast


http://www.looptt.com/content/pirate-attack-recorded-trinidads-north-coast


MARITIME


25 April Two robbers in a small boat approached and boarded an anchored bulk carrier in Puerto Bolivar Anchorage,

Colombia. Alert crew noticed the robbers and raised the alarm. Hearing the alarm and seeing the crew

alertness, the robbers escaped empty handed. The Coast Guard were subsequently informed.

26 April A Duty Officer noticed on the CCTV one unauthorised person on the forecastle and raised the in Puerto La Cruz

Anchorage, Venezuela. Hearing the alerted crew, the robber escaped. A security search of the vessel showed

ships properties stolen from the forecastle store.

26 April Unnoticed, robbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier and escaped with ship’s stores. The theft was noticed by

the duty crew during routine rounds in Callao Anchorage, Peru. Port control were informed.

2 May The IMB Piracy Reporting Centre received a distress call from a family on an anchored pleasure boat indicating

that unknown persons had boarded the boat, shot and killed one person and injured the other around 1.9nm

ENE of San Ignacio de Tupile, Panama. Two other family members were unharmed. The IMB Piracy Reporting

Centre (PRC) immediately informed the Panamanian Authorities who dispatched a patrol boat to the location to

render assistance. IMB PRC continued to liaise with the authorities and the family on the boat until the marine

police boat arrived at location and rendered medical assistance. According to local media sources, one New

Zealand man died during the incident while both his wife and daughter were injured in the attack though they are

believed to likely be able to survive.

3 May Two speed boats with five persons in each boat approached a bulk carrier underway around 52nm WNW of

Cabo Pasado, Ecuador. Alarm raised and crew mustered. Vessel increase speed, commenced evasive

manoeuvres and started spraying the boats with charged fire hoses, resulting in the boats moving away. Crew

and vessel were both reported safe.



MARITIME


The Mediterranean and the wider Europe area has enjoyed a quiet month. However, the escalation in fighting in the Libyan Civil War

heightens the risk of an increase in migration as well as the possibility of a deterioration of the port security environment in the country.

Elsewhere, numerous rockets were fired into southern Israel from the Gaza Strip on 4 May.

The Ukraine government have been negotiating with NATO representatives to have NATO vessels guarantee the passage of

Ukrainian vessels through the Russian controlled Kerch Strait. The secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council,

Alexander Turchinov, said on 16 April that Kiev is currently in discussions with NATO representatives to have some form of “escort”

through the strait.

The negotiations come after last year’s confrontation and seizure of Ukrainian navy vessels that were passing through the Kerch

Strait; which is now de facto in Russian territorial waters following the seizure of Crimea by Russia. The ships then defied Russian

border guard vessel’s demands to halt, which resulted in the Russian’s firing on the Ukrainian vessels and one ship ramming another;

which led to minor injuries among the Ukrainian crewmembers.

The incident resulted in Russia blocking the strait with a tanker, leaving numerous Ukrainian merchant vessels stuck on either side

of the strait waiting for clearance. While operations have, to an extent, normalised now; the Ukrainian seamen remain in jail and

Russia continues to control the traffic through the strait.

Solace Global Comment: These ongoing discussions between Ukraine and NATO signal that Kiev has a desire to continue its drift

towards the west. However, it remains unclear how much support NATO countries will give, and the actual deployment of warships

to the area will depend on how individual countries decide to proceed; especially given the risks associated with escorting Ukrainian

vessels through what are nominally Russian waters.

In Libya, on 4 April, General Khalifa Belqasim Haftar and the Libyan National Army launched an assault on the city of Tripoli, the capital of

Libya. The offensive, which has been code-named “Operation Flood of Dignity”, aims to bring the west of the country under the Tobruk

based House of Representatives control.


LOW NEGLIGIBLE MODERATE NEGLIGIBLE

EUROPE, MEDITERRANEAN & BLACK SEA



MARITIME


Last month, the LNA conducted a complex military campaign across Libya’s oil-rich Fezzan region; swiftly capturing two of the country’s

largest oil fields – the Sahara and El-Feel. Haftar then decided to capitalise on this success by conducting a blitzkrieg-esque military

campaign designed to capture the strategically important town of Gharyan; just under 50 km (30 miles) south of Tripoli. Giving the general

a perfect launching pad to potentially win the civil war. However, the advance has since been halted, and the continued fighting risks allowing

terrorist factions to regain strength throughout the country, disrupt the country’s fragile oil production network, port security and, potentially,

cause a surge in migrations to Europe.

The situation remains volatile at this time; however, the escalation of the conflict has affected the country’s ports. Locations such as Brega,

Zuwetina, Benghazi, and Tobruk are unlikely to be impacted by the fighting at this time. The central Es Sider & Ras Lanuf export terminals

are, so far, unaffected. However, the two may become targets of a GNA advance in an effort to relieve pressure on Tripoli. Sirte port is

currently not operational. Other ports and cities may become affected in the coming days should the fighting dynamic change.

There have also been reports of Haftar using the country’s oil terminals in the oil crescent region as military sites for his forces. In the

National Oil Corporation (NOC) said Haftar’s armed groups had stormed Es Sider oil port and captured its airstrip for military uses. They

also attempted to seize NOC tugboats. The armed groups stormed Ras Lanuf oil terminal to berth warships and other military vessels, the

NOC added.

Libya’s Interior Ministry also allegedly seized an Iranian ship in the Makhtaf area near Misrata port. The vessel is reportedly on the US and

European Union’s sanctions list. The Public Prosecutor has ordered the seizure of the vessel until the end of the investigation into the

shipment, even though there were no reports of illegal goods on board.

On 29 April, a number of Greenpeace activists boarded the oil rig West Hercules in an attempt to protest oil drilling in the Norwegian Arctic.

The four protesters climbed up the rig’s structure, while four others circled the base of the rig in kayaks. Many other protesters remained

onshore with banners reading “Ban New Oil” and “People versus Oil”. The activists then departed the rig peacefully as the weather started

to turn.

DATE NOTABLE MARITIME INCIDENTS IN EUROPE

N/A There have been no notable incidents impacting the Mediterranean or Europe in the past month.


SOLACE GLOBAL

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