Maritime Security Report: 15 - 22 March 2026
- Palaemon Maritime
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
This week recorded 9 maritime security incidents, as piracy ticks up whilst the world’s attention is diverted to wartime spillovers to commercial shipping.
Download the full report here:
Executive Summary
Indian Ocean:
Maritime security in the Indian Ocean is still volatile due to wartime spillover in the Persian Gulf. This week saw multiple vessels affected by projectile-related incidents (direct strikes, near misses, and collateral damage from attacks), especially near Khor Fakkan, Fujairah, Ras Laffan, and Sharjah. This highlights the increasing frequency of aerial threats and their unpredictable impact on commercial shipping.
Gulf of Guinea:
Piracy and armed robbery activity continues at a low-level pace. This week, vessels at anchor in Abidjan and Lagos were targeted by small groups of armed perpetrators. Stolen items were limited to ship stores and equipment, and attackers fled upon detection.
Southeast Asia:
The Singapore Strait experienced a cluster of armed robbery incidents involving small, coordinated groups. Perpetrators, often armed with long knives, successfully boarded multiple vessels. While most incidents resulted in minor theft, one escalated into violence, with a crew member injured. The pattern suggests a possible organized group operating in the area.
Key Incidents by Region
Indian Ocean
21 March 2026
A bulk carrier reported a near-miss explosion from an unknown projectile 15 NM north of Sharjah, UAE. No damage or injuries were reported.
19 March 2026
A tug vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile 4 NM east of Ras Laffan, Qatar. All crew were reported safe; investigations are ongoing.
18 March 2026
A tanker 11 NM east of Khor Fakkan, UAE was hit by an unidentified projectile, causing a fire onboard. The crew abandoned the vessel and were rescued but the Master is still missing.
16 March 2026
A tanker anchored 23 NM east of Fujairah, UAE sustained minor structural damage after being struck by debris from intercepted projectiles. No injuries were reported.
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Gulf of Guinea
21 March 2026
A supply vessel at Abidjan inner anchorage, Ivory Coast was boarded by four armed robbers who stole an FRC engine and paint supplies before fleeing.
15 March 2026
A cargo vessel at the Apapa Port Complex, Lagos, Nigeria was boarded by several robbers who stole paint tins and a crew member’s mobile phone. The perpetrators fled by speedboat after the alarm was raised and discarded the stolen items.
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Southeast Asia
18 March 2026
A bulk carrier was boarded by four armed perpetrators who accessed the engine room and stole spare engine parts.
18 March 2026
A second bulk carrier was boarded by four individuals armed with knives, but no items were stolen. However, one crew member sustained head injuries.
17 March 2026
A bulk carrier reported an attempted boarding by four perpetrators via the starboard gangway. The alarm was raised, and the attackers fled; no theft or injuries were reported.
Threat Outlook
Region | Threat Level | Assessment |
Indian Ocean | Very High | Active conflict still exposes vessels to missile strikes and UAV activity. |
Gulf of Guinea | Moderate | Opportunistic theft and piracy still persist in port and anchorage areas. |
Southeast Asia | Moderate | Increased frequency of coordinated armed robberies. |
Operational Guidance
Operators should:
Avoid high-risk areas such as the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz where feasible.
Maintain enhanced watchkeeping and vigilance, particularly in conflict-affected waters.
Monitor AIS, radar, and communications for anomalies, including potential electronic interference.
Keep a continuous listening watch on VHF Channel 16 and respond promptly to security communications.
Implement vessel hardening measures and anti-boarding precautions in piracy-prone regions such as the Gulf of Guinea and Singapore Strait.
Exercise increased caution in anchorages and ports, especially where lighting and security presence are limited.
Report all suspicious activity or incidents to:
UKMTO
MDAT-GoG
ReCAAP
IMB / IMO
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