The Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) has issued a new marine security notice to inform about the situation in the Red Sea. Although, no restrictions are imposed by the BMA or Bahamas government on transiting the Red Sea, such transits are currently considered extremely high risk. BMA recommends ships to use the Maritime Security Transit Corridor (MSTC) to benefit from the military presence and surveillance.
The Maritime Security Transit Corridor (MSTC) is a military established corridor upon which naval forces focus their presence and surveillance efforts. The MSTC is shown on maritime security chart Q6099 and consists of:
i. The Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC). The IRTC is not a Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) but an established transit corridor in the Gulf of Aden where naval forces focus their counter piracy patrols. Within the IRTC, group transits and national convoys may be offered.
ii. The Bab Al Mandeb (BAM) TSS and the TSS West of the Hanish Islands.
iii. A two-way route directly connecting the IRTC and the BAM TSS.
Since January 2024, commercial shipping has been coming under regular attacks from Houthi forces. In response, a grouping of concerned nations supported the establishment of Operation Prosperity Guardian to protect the freedom of navigation and the supply chain.
To remind, in November 2023, the Bahamas flag car carrier GALAXY LEADER was boarded in the Red Sea by helicopter and captured by armed forces, reportedly connected to the Houthi forces, and remains in their possession.
Maintaining vigilance, and reporting to UKMTO and MSCHOA, are fundamental but only part of what prudent owners should do. It is clearly necessary for adequate training and regular practice to be given to crews to enable them to respond effectively when under attack or threat. Low speed and low freeboard remain factors which significantly increase the vulnerability of ships
Following the escalating situation in the area, the new IMO Sec-Gen confirmed IMO’s commitment to closely monitor the situation, in collaboration with Member States and partners from the industry. The UN Security Council adopted UN Security Council Resolution 2722 (2024) on 10 January 2024, demanding that the Houthis immediately release the Galaxy Leader and its crew, among others.
