Geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea have intensified the multitude and magnitude of maritime attacks in the region. Incidents like the hijacking of Galaxy Leader in November 2023 and the attacks on Tutor, Verbena, Sounion, and True Confidence have led to casualties and serious vessel damage. These events, coupled with the ongoing piracy threats in the Gulf of Guinea, have raised significant concerns among maritime professionals and highlighted the urgent need for enhanced security measures to safeguard safety of crew and maritime assets.
In light of this, the Anglo-Eastern Global Security Desk hosted a webinar this September to better prepare our crew for the challenges they may face in navigating these high risks areas. The webinar, joined by around 400 Anglo-Eastern seafarers, featured Swapnodeep Mondal, Group Director of Operations and Sameer Sablok, Head of Global Security Desk as in-house panellists, together with Jakob Larsen, Head of Safety & Security at BIMCO as guest speaker.
During the webinar, the speakers shared their insights on the current geopolitical situation and the emerging risks around the Red Sea and the Gulf of Guinea. At the centre of the discussion was the ongoing threats posed by Houthi forces and piracy acts targeting merchant ships and seafarers.
To mitigate these security risks, the speakers emphasised the importance of conducting regular threat identification and risk assessments, along with the adoption of best management practices (BMP) to harden vessels against potential attacks. Fostering collaboration between various stakeholders to share information and coordinate efforts is also essential in combating maritime threats.
Furthermore, for each voyage planning to transit through the Red Sea area, Anglo-Eastern works closely with our clients to conduct thorough risk assessments and implement safety precautions that include re-routing ships around the Cape of Good Hope as is necessary.
Ensuring the safety and security of our crew and vessels is a top priority at Anglo-Eastern. As always, we remain committed to equipping our team with the knowledge and skills to keep them safe while navigating security challenges at sea.
