Maritime Security Report: 12-19 January 2026
- Palaemon Maritime
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Drone strikes, Oil spills, in Europe, state-led seizures in the Americas, and armed robberies in South East Asia.
This reporting period saw seven serious maritime security incidents in European, South East Asian, and Central American waters. These included multiple drone strikes, state-led seizures, and armed robbery, highlighting escalating threats from both state and non-state actors.
Executive Summary
Key trends this week:
Singapore Strait - Armed robberies continue, targeting scrap metal and engine spares.
Europe - The operational risk has risen in the Black Sea and Caspian Sea, amidst increased indiscriminate attacks on unsanctioned civilian vessels operating in accordance with EU regulations.
Americas - State seizures persist, as the naval blockade of Venezuela remains active.
Threat levels remain high across multiple regions, with high risks from state actors amidst escalating geopolitical conflicts
Key Incidents by Region
Europe - Drones & Missiles
Ballistic Missile Strikes on Ukrainian Port
15 January 2026
Russian forces launched a successful ballistic missile attack on Chornomorsk port, damaging multiple containers, causing an oil spill.
Civilian Vessels in Danger
14 January 2026 - Cargo ship Rona has sunk
An Iranian-flagged cargo vessel sank in the Caspian Sea. The exact location is not disclosed. Fourteen crew members have been rescued, as investigations ensue.
13 January 2026 - Oil tankers Matilda and Delta Harmony were attacked
Two Greek-owned and managed vessels were repeatedly hit by Ukrainian drones as they were approaching the Yuzhnaya Ozereyevka terminal at Novorossiysk.
Both vessels sustained minor damage, yet remained stable. No crew member was injured, and they proceeded to safety.
12 January 2026 - Civilian Vessels struck
A Panama-flagged civilian vessel and a San Marino-flagged vessel were hit by Russian kamikaze drones whilst transporting agricultural products.
The attacks:
Injured one crew member
Caused a fire on board
Despite the damage, both vessels remained operational and continued their voyages.
Singapore Strait - Armed robberies
16 January 2026
Occurred in the Eastbound Lane of TSS
Barge under tow by Singapore-flagged tug
Perpetrators unsuccessful in stealing scrap metal
15 January 2026
Bulk carrier
Four armed robbers
Boarded the ship & stole engine parts
No crew members harmed
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Americas - Tankers Seized
15 January 2026 - Crude Oil Tanker VERONICA Seized
Guyana-flagged (formerly Iran) Aframax tanker Veronica has been seized by US forces launched from USS Gerald R Ford (CVN 78)
Empty at the time of seizure
US government has filed court warrants for the seizure of dozens more tankers linked to Venezuelan oil trade.
Sanctions enforcement in the area remains aggressive and bold, and risks are expected to remain high.
Threat Outlook
Region | Threat Level | Assessment |
Black Sea | Very High | Attacks on all civilian vessels (also unsanctioned) |
Caspian Sea | Moderate | UAV/Drone threats remain |
Caribbean | Elevated | State-led seizures continue |
Southeast Asia | Moderate | Armed robberies ongoing |
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Operational Guidance
Operators should:
Enforce BMP-MS procedures
Increase deck patrols and lighting
Harden access points
Maintain SSAS readiness
Report all incidents to:
UKMTO
MDAT-GoG
ReCAAP
IMB / IMO
Stopping Boardings Before They Start
Most maritime attacks succeed once criminals reach the main deck.
That’s why leading operators rent physical anti-boarding barriers:
No upfront CAPEX
Global deployment
Short or long-term rental
No vessel modification
Zero successful boardings. Ever.
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