Following escalating tensions in the Middle East between Israel, Lebanon and Iran, Ambrey has issued a circular to highlight what operators should bear in mind when calling ports in the area.
According to Ambrey, merchant shipping vessels calling Israeli and Lebanese ports are advised to consider and drill their contingency plans. These should include:
- A port and vessel-specific risk assessment.
- Identifying emergency contacts in port, particularly ambulance and firefighting. There is a risk of collateral damage.
- Defining thresholds for the suspension of operations.
- Agreeing on the course of action if there is no pilot availability. It may be permissible to depart some berths without this.
- Agreeing on crew shelter-in-place locations if the vessel cannot depart.
- Nominating accountable and responsible persons in the shipping companies.
- Recording decisions and training on any record-keeping systems.
- Crew evacuation plans should they be unable to leave on the merchant vessel or by air.
- Crew mental health/well-being consultations and support measures.
The Iranian-Israeli merchant shipping target profile is focused on ownership, though they have mistakenly targeted shipping due to an out-of-date affiliation. The Iranians have also seized shipping with target flags and bearing cargo destined for target countries.
Merchant shipping headed towards the Strait of Hormuz is advised to conduct a risk assessment, including an affiliation check. For some, it will be advisable to avoid the area at this time.
Any decision to avoid the area should be supported by a voyage and vessel-specific risk assessment and documented to mitigate the risk of disputes.
