Continuous attacks in the Red Sea area have been raising concerns for the integrity of crew and vessels transiting the area, forcing organisations and legislative bodies such as the EU Parliament and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to contemplate action.
European Parliament
The European Parliament has adopted a Resolution condemning the recent attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and calling for immediate and concerted EU efforts including a naval operation. Sotiris Raptis, ECSA Secretary General, expressed gratitude for the Parliament’s support regarding the worrisome developments in the Red Sea. He mentioned that the attacks on ships pose a threat to the safety and lives of seafarers, along with having a direct impact on imports, exports, and energy prices in Europe.
We urgently need more concerted efforts at EU level to keep seafarers safe and trade routes secure. This is key for the security of the continent
… said Sotiris Raptis, ECSA Secretary General
Protecting key shipping routes and the international principle of freedom of navigation is essential to guarantee the energy, food and supply chain security of Europe, highlighted ECSA in their statement.
EU’s concern is anything but unfounded. As NorthStandard P&I Club informs, Ambrey issued a threat alert dated 15 January 2024 where they have assessed the threats to shipping and established risk levels based on affiliations, in which EU countries appear.
Ambrey’s list of risk levels:
First tier: Israel. The Houthis have targeted Israel-affiliated shipping since the 19th of November 2023 as part of its response to the Israel-Gaza conflict. Ambrey assesses that the risk to merchant shipping affiliated through flag, ownership, operatorship, management, and trade is heightened.
Second tier: The US, and the UK. Ambrey assesses that the risk to merchant shipping affiliated through flag, ownership, operatorship, management, and trade is heightened. The US and UK merchant shipping was assessed to be at heightened risk following their strikes on Houthi military targets beginning 23:30 UTC 11th January 2024.
Third tier: Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands. Following the US and UK strikes on Houthi military targets, the US and UK issued statements that associated these States with the action. It is assessed that merchant shipping affiliated directly through flag, ownership, operatorship, or management could be at heightened risk.
Fourth tier: Denmark, Germany, New Zealand, and the Republic of Korea. Also following the US and US strikes on Houthi military targets, on the 11th of January a Joint Statement was issued with these countries. It is also assessed that merchant shipping affiliated directly through flag, ownership, operatorship, or management could be at heightened risk.
At this time, those States participating in Operation Prosperity Guardian were not assessed to be at heightened risk.
International Maritime Organisation
During a meeting with shipping industry representatives (18 January) at IMO Headquarters in London, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez reiterated the message that seafarers are innocent victims in the volatile Red Sea situation. Secondly, freedom of navigation must be upheld, to guarantee global trade and the flow of goods by sea.
Furthermore, there must be caution and restraint to avoid further escalation of the situation in the Red Sea and broader area, Dominguez said, referencing the UN Security Council Resolution 2722 (2024) on the Red Sea.
The meeting provided the opportunity to exchange views and look ahead to the steps that the International Marime Organization (IMO) can take, including sharing information and potential future discussions during the next scheduled Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 108, 15-24 May 2024).
The meeting was also attended by representatives of major shipping organisations such as the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), BIMCO, Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF), Association of Independent Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO), International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO), Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and World Shipping Council (WSC).
To remind, most of the organisations mentioned above were also parties in the effort which produced security guidance applicable to navigating in the Southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Earlier in the week (16 January) Secretary-General Dominguez had a productive meeting with representatives of the Member States of the Djibouti Code of Conduct to discuss the situation in the Red Sea, focusing on the need to enhance the maritime security capabilities of the countries in the region. The key areas of safety of seafarers, freedom of navigation and de-escalation were reiterated by countries in the region.
