Maritime Security Report: 23 February-1 March 2026
- Palaemon Maritime
- 33 minutes ago
- 4 min read
This week, nine incidents were recorded, as wartime spillovers from Iran are affecting global navigation, and piracy is on the rise in West Africa and the Singapore Strait.
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Executive Summary
Indian Ocean: xxx
Singapore Strait: xxx
Europe (Black Sea): xxx.
West Africa: xxx
Key Incidents by Region
Indian Ocean
1 March 2026
The UKMTO has received a report of an incident approximately 17 NM northwest of Mina Saqr, United Arab Emirates. The Company Security Officer reported that the vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile, which caused a fire onboard. The fire has since been extinguished, and the vessel intends to continue its voyage.
1 March 2026
The UKMTO has received a report of an incident approximately 50 NM north of Muscat, Oman. It was reported over VHF Channel 16 that a vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile above the waterline. Although the engine room was initially reported to be on fire, but is now reported to be under control.
1 March 2026
Open sources report that U.S. Forces have seized a Cook Islands-flagged tanker in the Indian Ocean. It was reported that the tanker had left Venezuelan waters at the beginning of January with 1.9 million barrels of heavy crude oil destined for Chinese refineries. This tanker was part of the group of vessels that left Venezuela following the capture of its president. The last reported AIS position was on the 24th of February 2026.
28 February 2026
The UKMTO has reported military activity in the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea, and the Strait of Hormuz. Electronic disruptions have been reported to affect AIS systems. Several vessels have reported that VHF Channel 16 broadcasts state that the Strait of Hormuz has been closed. Vessels transiting the general area are advised to:
Transit with extreme caution and heightened awareness
Maintain a listening watch on VHF Channel 16
Be aware of possible electronic interference
Stay clear of all military units
Report suspicious activity to UKMTO or MSCIO
Vessels are advised to avoid the area.
28 February 2026
Open sources report that the United States and Israel have launched a “pre-emptive attack” consisting of joint military strikes against Iran. Trump claimed the attack will involve “major combat operations”, with Iranian state-linked news agencies already being targeted by cyberattacks. Seafarers transiting the area should be aware that potential spillovers are very likely.
26 February 2026
MSCIO has reported that an Iranian-flagged vessel was attacked by two small craft approximately 19 nm east of Kabal, Somalia. The attack was likely carried out by a group of pirates from the Garmaal coastal area, with the purpose of boarding the vessel and using it as a mothership. However, defensive actions stopped the pirates from boarding, forcing them to retreat. Clearwater has received additional information claiming that one pirate was killed and two were injured.
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Singapore Strait
27 February 2026
A Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier has been robbed while underway in the Phillip Channel, in the Singapore Strait. There were a total of five perpetrators, one armed with a knife. They all escaped. All crew are reported safe, and only a mobile phone was stolen. The vessel is currently continuing her route to Vietnam.
West Africa
26 February 2026
OSINT sources record a maritime incident off the coast of Senya Beraku, Ghana. Soon after leaving port, 71 fishermen on 7 different fishing vessels were attacked by armed gunmen. The perpetrators spoke Nigerian Pidgin and fired from a black boat. They stole equipment ranging from generators, outboard motors, and fishing gear. The Ghanaian Navy and Air Force carried out a joint search to rescue the fishermen.
Europe
23 February 2026
A Russian Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) attacked Odesa Port, Ukraine. Oleksiy Kuleba, Deputy Prime Minister for Recovery of Ukraine, stated that two civilians were killed, three were injured, and that the cargo-storage facility was damaged by the attack.
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Threat Outlook
Region | Threat Level | Assessment |
Indian Ocean | Very High | High military activity in the area involving multiple regional states, with spillovers risks to commercial shipping very likely. |
Red Sea | High | Houthi activity is set to resume in retaliation of US strikes on Iran. All vessels with western ties are at risk. |
Europe | Moderate | The Ukraine conflict remains a key security risk for shipping in these waters, as attacks on ports, shadow fleet vessels, and civilian vessels are frequent. |
West Africa | High | Caution is advised regarding violent piracy in Gulf of Guinea waters. |
Southeast Asia | Moderate | Though piracy is frequent here, they are almost always low level petty theft involving engine parts. |
Operational Guidance
Operators should:
Follow BMP5 transit protocols
Delay the resumption of operations in the Gulf of Aden, and the Red Sea until more clarity of Houthi response.
Enhance watchkeeping and onboard vigilance in high-risk waters such as the Gulf of Guinea, and the Singapore Strait.
Avoid or leave Iranian international waters including the Arabian Gulf
Report all incidents to:
UKMTO
MDAT-GoG
ReCAAP
IMB / IMO
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