The Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) alongside the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association and the Norwegian War Insurance (DNK) monitored and adjusted security levels for several sea areas where the Norwegian fleet travels.
In mid-February, security levels were adjusted for several international sea areas where the Norwegian fleet travels.
Israel, the Gaza Strip and the Gulf of Aqaba
The current threat to merchant shipping in the Eastern Mediterranean is assessed to be low, reflecting the very few incidents of armed forces attacking commercial vessels in the area and the fact that the warring parties have shown no intention to attack shipping in the area.
To reflect the current threat level in the area, the Norwegian Maritime Authority has decided to lower the ISPS level from 3 to 1. The Gulf of Aqaba will continue to have MARSEC/ISPS level 2. Ships entering the areas must assess the risk of collateral damage and take necessary precautions. Shipping companies and captains are encouraged to monitor the situation through reliable sources.
The risk of GNSS and AIS interference in the regions is considered high.
West Africa – Gulf of Guinea
Based on reported attacks in the eastern part of the Gulf of Guinea, mainly south of Bioko Island (Equatorial Guinea), the area for MARSEC/ISPS Level 2 is being expanded.
Southern Red Sea, Bab el Mandeb and northern part of the Gulf of Aden
Although recent developments in the region are promising, the situation remains uncertain. NMA is therefore closely monitoring the maritime security situation and developments in the region, in dialogue with international partners and the shipping industry.
Black Sea and Sea of Azov
Raised security level
The NMA maintains MARSEC/ ISPS Level 3 in the northern and western parts of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Shipping companies and captains are requested to follow developments through reliable sources. Furthermore, it is pointed out that there is a high risk of GNSS and AIS interference in both sea areas and the region.
Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea
The Norwegian Maritime Authority maintains MARSEC/ISPS level 2 in the Strait of Hormuz and adjacent Iranian territorial waters west of the strait. Due to the security situation in the region, there is a risk of sudden escalation based on incidents, allegations and misunderstandings that could also cause the conflict to spiral out of control and affect the shipping industry. There is a high risk of GNSS and AIS interference in the region.
Somalia, southern part of the Gulf of Aden and western Arabian Sea
The maritime security level has been raised to MARSEC/ISPS level #2. Although activity has been low in recent months, there is still potential for pirate operations in the southern part of the Gulf of Aden, in the western part of the Arabian Sea and in the sea areas off Somalia.
Small vessels may be encountered that are armed even if they are engaged in legal activities. This is especially true in the Gulf of Aden. There have been several cases where people have mistakenly believed them to be pirates. The elevated MARSEC/ISPS level is valid until further notice.
Recommended measures
- Using BMP5 in preparations and operations.
- Conduct security assessments before entering. Current transit guidance is provided by UKMTO. Threat assessments for the region are also provided by EUNAVFOR and can be found on the MSCHOA website.
- Prepare ships and crews, through planning and exercises.
- Report to UKMTO and MSCHOA in accordance with guidelines.
- Be alert and maintain a high level of situational awareness, both en route and in port.
