Maritime Security Report: 22–29 December 2025

Palaemon Maritime
Dec 29, 2025
3 min read

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 end.

Executive Summary

This week’s incidents reflect a convergence of state-driven enforcement actions, conflict spillover, and criminal maritime activity.

Iran continued its campaign against fuel smuggling with the seizure of a tanker and detention of crew in the Arabian Gulf. Russia and Ukraine exchanged strikes on port infrastructure in the Black Sea, damaging civilian vessels as collateral.

In Southeast Asia, armed robberies continued in the Singapore Strait and Indonesia, including a bold boarding involving nine perpetrators.

Meanwhile, the United States Coast Guard remains in active pursuit of an Iranian “dark fleet” tanker in the Caribbean, raising the risk of escalation in international waters.

Key Incidents by Region

Red Sea / Gulf of Aden – Escalation Likely

Houthi leadership publicly stated that further confrontation with Israel and the United States is inevitable, signalling preparation for a renewed phase of activity. This rhetoric significantly raises the probability of future attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden in the coming weeks.

Operational impact:

Maritime risk in the region remains high
Operators should consider avoiding transit where possible
Enhanced watchkeeping, vessel hardening, and armed security remain critical

Black Sea – Ports Under Continued Attack

On 22 December, Ukrainian forces conducted a drone strike on Taman Port, Russia, damaging two berthed tankers, port infrastructure, storage tanks, and pipelines. On the same day, Russia launched a missile strike on Odesa Port, Ukraine, damaging port facilities and a Lebanese-flagged civilian vessel carrying soybeans.

These incidents demonstrate continued targeting of energy and agricultural export infrastructure, with collateral risk to commercial vessels alongside or operating near ports.

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Annual Subsciption

Southeast Asia – Piracy Continues

Two piracy incidents were recorded:

Singapore Strait (25 Dec): A Singapore-flagged tug and barge transiting the eastbound TSS lane was boarded by nine perpetrators, who stole scrap metal before fleeing.
Indonesia – Tangkil Island Anchorage (22 Dec): Four armed thieves used grappling hooks and ropes to board an anchored vessel, escaping with stolen engine parts.

These incidents highlight the continued vulnerability of slow-moving and anchored vessels, particularly in poorly lit areas.

Arabian Gulf – Tanker Seized by Iran

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards seized a foreign vessel near Qeshm Island, reportedly carrying 4 million litres of smuggled fuel. All 16 foreign crew members were detained and face criminal charges. Intelligence suggests the vessel was preparing for ship-to-ship transfer operations.

This follows multiple similar seizures, confirming an ongoing state enforcement campaign in the region.

Caribbean Sea – Active U.S. Coast Guard Pursuit

The U.S. Coast Guard remains in active pursuit of the Iranian dark-fleet tanker Bella 1 after the crew refused to cooperate with seizure attempts earlier in the month. The vessel employed evasive manoeuvres and is now moving into the Atlantic.

U.S. officials are reportedly considering forcible boarding, a move that would mark a significant escalation in U.S. maritime enforcement posture.

Threat Outlook

Red Sea / Gulf of Aden: High – escalation likely following public Houthi statements
Black Sea: High – continued drone and missile strikes on ports
Southeast Asia: High – persistent armed robberies in TSS lanes and anchorages
Arabian Gulf: High – state seizures and enforcement actions ongoing
Caribbean Sea: Elevated – risk of escalation during active pursuit operations