Padmesh Prabhune –
The maritime security landscape in the Gulf of Aden, Bab al Mandeb Strait, Red Sea,
Somali Basin, and Arabian Sea Region has been severely affected by the increasing attacks and the geographical spread of attacks on merchant vessels from November 2023 to June 2024 has significantly disrupted maritime trade in the region, with a significant decline in vessel traffic at affected ports.
From November 2023 to June 2024, a marked increase in Houthi attacks was observed, particularly between December 2023 and February 2024, with resurgence in June 2024. While the Red Sea experienced the highest number of attacks, peaking at 18 in December 2023, the Gulf of Aden saw a notable spike of 14 attacks in February 2024.
Concurrently, Somali piracy activities have seen a resurgence, with eight incidents reported in the first half of 2024, marking the first successful hijacking by Somali pirates since 2017. The Indian Navy has played a crucial role in rescuing merchant vessels from pirate attacks, demonstrating the persistent threat in the region.
According to reports, analysing the data and trends observed therein reveals that these attacks have evolved in nature and impact, not only posing substantial security challenges but significantly disrupting global maritime trade.
DGS in its report mentioned said that since April 2024, the geographical scope of the Houthi attacks expanded beyond the Red Sea and Arabian Sea to the Mediterranean, indicating a strategic shift in operational tactics.
Considering such substantial security challenges the DG Shipping has recently issued an advisory report urging all stakeholders, CSOs, Vessels, and Masters to adhere to the safety SOPs/advisories following best management practices while passing through the region.
Marex Media
Reduction in Vessel Arrivals
i) Increasing attacks have led to a significant reduction in vessel arrivals in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden regions, with the Suez Canal experiencing a 60% decrease in traffic, the Red Sea a 54% decrease, and Bab-el-Mandeb facing the most significant decline at 62%.
ii) The impact on tanker arrivals is observed to be substantial, with a 47% decrease by June 2024. iii) LPG tankers were the most affected, experiencing an 81% decrease, followed by chemicals tankers (48% decrease), oil product tankers (47% decrease), and crude oil tankers (37% decrease).