Two adrift USVs have been reported in the Black Sea within the past 2 months, marking a new maritime threat within the region A Dangerous Pattern On 29th September, Turkish fishermen found a USV, loaded with 300 kg of explosives Since early 2022, drifting naval devices have become an alarming byproduct of the Russo-Ukrainian war. What began with floating mines has evolved into a broader threat with Ukraine’s increasing use of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs). These potentially

Escalation risks in the Red Sea, port strikes in the Black Sea, piracy in Southeast Asia, and a live pursuit in the Caribbean The final reporting period of December saw seven significant maritime security incidents  across the Red Sea, Black Sea, Southeast Asia, the Arabian Gulf, and the Caribbean Sea . The incidents ranged from state seizures and missile strikes  to armed robberies and piracy , underlining the persistent and evolving risks facing commercial shipping at year

Kidnapping in West Africa, multi-craft attacks in the Bab el-Mandeb, and renewed drone activity in the Black Sea This week saw armed attacks, kidnappings, and drone activity  across the Black Sea, Red Sea/Bab el-Mandeb, and West Africa. The incidents highlight an increasingly volatile environment for commercial shipping, with uncrewed systems , small-boat swarm tactics , and crew abductions  continuing to feature prominently. Executive Summary According to the report, the per

Seven incidents across four regions: piracy, drone warfare, port theft, and escalating unrest Seven notable maritime security incidents were recorded this reporting period across Southeast Asia, the Mozambique Channel, the Black Sea, and the Bay of Bengal . The incidents ranged from armed piracy and ship store theft  to drone and USV attacks  and growing labour unrest , underscoring a complex, multi-region threat environment for commercial shipping. Executive Summary This wee

Drone attacks on Izmail Port and attempted boarding in Lagos highlight continued multi-regional threats Two major maritime security incidents were recorded this week across Europe  and West Africa , reflecting ongoing risks from both state-level conflict spillover  and opportunistic criminal activity . Operators in affected regions should maintain strict vigilance, update crew awareness, and ensure BMP-MS and local best practices are enforced. Executive Summary This week saw

A veteran seafarer recounts the day routine work turned into a life-or-death struggle off the coast of Somalia. Life at sea can seem predictable, with endless horizons and routine work. For most sailors, the greatest dangers are storms or equipment failures, not armed attackers. But for Karol Edmund Sobczak , a veteran who spent nearly twenty years on deck, the calm of routine was shattered in a single, unforgettable incident . Palaemon spoke with Sobczak about his years at s

Violent piracy in Southeast Asia, a state-led tanker hijacking in the Strait of Hormuz, and continued strikes in the Black Sea Seven incidents were recorded this week across Southeast Asia, the Gulf of Guinea, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Black Sea , showing a mix of violent piracy, targeted state intervention, and ongoing conflict-driven attacks . Crew were threatened with weapons, a tanker was forcibly seized by Iranian forces, and Ukrainian drone/missile strikes continued

Somali piracy has re-emerged in 2025: A series of coordinated attacks now stretches hundreds of miles offshore, reviving fears of a global shipping crisis. (EU Naval Force secures tanker following piracy attack. Credits: EUNAVFOR ) After more than a decade of relative calm, the western Indian Ocean is once again confronting a revived piracy threat . According to Dryad Global, corroborated by   UKMTO, MSCHOA, and multiple maritime intelligence sources, the resurgence began in

Maritime Security Report | 4–10 November 2025 Piracy in the Western Indian Ocean has resurfaced in force. This week, three high-risk incidents linked to active Somali Pirate Action Groups (PAGs)  were recorded — including a confirmed boarding, the use of RPGs, and a mothership-supported stalking approach more than 500 nautical miles offshore . At the same time, another boarding event was confirmed off West Africa , reinforcing that criminal groups remain active on both sides

Somali piracy re-emerges as conflict activity persists in the Black Sea This week saw a significant development in the western Indian Ocean with the first confirmed Somali Pirate Action Group (PAG)  operating since mid-2024. Meanwhile, Ukrainian drone strikes  continue to target Russian port infrastructure in the Black Sea. Operators should maintain heightened vigilance across both regions, with BMP5 enforcement, layered hardening measures, and rapid reporting  remaining esse

Suspicious vessel activity off Benin and continued strikes on Ukrainian port infrastructure This week’s maritime security incidents reflect ongoing threats from regional instability and suspicious approaches at sea , particularly in West Africa  and Eastern Europe . While the number of reported incidents was lower than previous weeks, the potential for escalation remains high . Regional Incident Breakdown ⚓ West Africa – LPG Tanker Tracked by Suspicious Craft On 21 October ,

Explosion risk in the Gulf of Aden, piracy in West Africa, and growing tensions in the South China Sea. This week’s maritime security developments highlight a mix of state aggression , criminal boarding attempts , and high-risk vessel incidents  across key global shipping lanes. Operators transiting the Gulf of Aden, South China Sea, West Africa, and Southeast Asia  should remain alert and ensure BMP5 measures  are fully enforced. Executive Summary West Africa:  Opportunistic

GNSS Interference, Armed Robbery, and Drone Warfare Across Global Shipping Routes This week’s maritime incidents highlight an...

Escalating threats from missile strikes, piracy, and drone warfare across multiple regions Six major incidents last week highlight how...

In a decisive maritime enforcement operation, the French Navy has intercepted and boarded an oil tanker suspected of belonging to...

Drone Strikes, Armed Robbery & Port Attacks Highlight Rising Risks Maritime security threats are evolving at pace — and this week’s...

The Arrest: A Decade of Piracy Ends in a Single Night About a month ago, in a decisive crackdown on maritime crime, Indonesian...

July 6-7 coordinated attacks sink two bulk carriers, kill crew members, and kidnap survivors as Houthis expand targeting from current...

June 13-20, 2025 Maritime Security Summary Last week delivered a stark reminder that maritime security threats are escalating across the...

US-Iran Escalation Triggers Maritime Security Concerns for Commercial Shipping Houthi rebels are likely to resume attacks on...