Maritime Security Report: 20–26 October 2025

Palaemon Maritime
Oct 27
2 min read

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, a Bermuda-flagged LPG tanker activated its Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) approximately 33 nautical miles south of Cotonou, Benin.

A small black craft with three persons onboard followed the vessel for nearly two hours
The craft withdrew after local naval forces responded
No weapons or boarding attempt were reported

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This incident is consistent with surveillance tactics observed in previous piracy approaches in the Gulf of Guinea—small boats trailing vessels at low speed to assess security posture before attempting a boarding.

✅ Security Guidance: Maintain full BMP5 measures when drifting or slow steaming off West Africa. Maintain distance from unidentified small craft and report shadowing behaviour immediately to MDAT-GoG.

💥 Eastern Europe – Strikes Hit Port Infrastructure in Ukraine

On 20 October, strikes reportedly targeted port and industrial infrastructure in Yuzhnyi, part of the Odesa region of Ukraine.

Fires were reported but quickly contained
No casualties confirmed
Incident occurred during nighttime hours

This continues a pattern of periodic attacks on Ukrainian Black Sea logistics infrastructure, aimed at restricting regional energy and grain exports.

✅ Security Guidance: Vessels operating in the Black Sea should monitor air alerts and ensure emergency procedures for strike proximity are rehearsed.

Threat Outlook

Surveillance activity and approach incidents are likely to continue in the Gulf of Guinea
Port strikes and missile/drone threats remain an ongoing risk in the Black Sea region
Criminal groups in West Africa increasingly use intimidation or shadowing without boarding, testing vessel readiness

Protect Your Vessel – Proven Physical Deterrence

Most piracy attacks succeed in the initial boarding attempt. The simplest and most effective defence is to physically prevent access to the deck.

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