MAST’s security report issue 367 is available to read now.
In the Gulf of Guinea, there have been a number of incidents reported in the period observed, including an ongoing vessel boarding. At the time of this report, contact has not been made with the ship and its location is unknown. The Nigerian Navy safely intercepted the hijacked MT Monjasa Reformer off Principe, while fishermen in Akwa Ibom accuse security forces of not doing enough to protect them from local pirate groups.
In the Indian Ocean Region, Iran has unveiled a new ‘suicide drone’ UAV which will be of concern to shipping. UKMTO issued an advisory warning vessels of increased UAV activity in the northern Indian Ocean. UN plans to remove the FSO Safer off Yemen have moved forward, with a temporary VLCC due to arrive in May.
In European waters, concerns remain over the future of the Black Sea Grain Corridor, as Russia continues to refuse to extend the agreement. Negotiations by Turkey are ongoing. There have been a large number of crossings by small boats in the English Channel.
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