Heightened Security Risk: Arabian Gulf, Red Sea & Gulf of Aden

Background

Members are advised of a material escalation in regional security risk following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes against Iranian targets. The situation has increased the likelihood of retaliatory or proxy actions, with potential consequences for commercial shipping operating in, or transiting, the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

The security environment remains highly dynamic, with limited warning times and a heightened risk of miscalculation, misidentification and collateral damage.

Current Threat Picture

• Arabian Gulf / Strait of Hormuz

  Ongoing military operations have resulted in maritime warning notices advising extreme caution. Vessels face increased risks from military activity, electronic/GNSS interference, misidentification and proximity to naval units. The safety of neutral shipping cannot be guaranteed during periods of active operations.

   

• Red Sea / Gulf of Aden

  While Houthi forces have at times paused attacks, multiple intelligence and industry assessments indicate that this further escalation involving Iran is likely to trigger renewed or expanded Houthi operations against shipping, Particularly those vessels with U.S. or Israeli affiliations. Threats may include UAVs, missiles, USVs, small craft approaches and indirect fire, with risks extending beyond vessels with clear affiliations.
  Members are reminded that vessel affiliation (flag, ownership, management, cargo, recent port calls or perceived links) may influence threat exposure, however non affiliated vessels may still be at risk.

Crew Welfare and Mental Health

The Club reiterates concerns previously raised regarding the psychological impact on seafarers operating in warlike and high threat environments. Prolonged heightened alert states, uncertainty and exposure to security incidents can lead to mental anguish, fatigue and impaired decision making, with potential safety consequences.
Members are encouraged to ensure that crew welfare, rest, briefing and access to support mechanisms are actively managed alongside physical security measures.

Guidance to Members

Consistent with previous Risk Alerts and Security Notices, Members should:

• Conduct voyage specific threat and risk assessments prior to entry into affected areas.
• Monitor UKMTO, JMIC, MSCHOA, flag state and military advisories, including NAVTEX warnings.
• Register vessel movements with UKMTO and maintain enhanced reporting.
• Review and implement BMP – Maritime Security and update Ship Security Plans as necessary.
• Maintain heightened bridge vigilance and preparedness for electronic navigation interference.
• Consider alternative routing or delaying transit where risk exposure is assessed as unacceptable.

Maritime Security Programme

Members are reminded of the Club’s Maritime Security Programme, which provides access to specialist security guidance and crew welfare and mental health support services through the Club’s partners. Members are encouraged to make use of these resources, particularly where vessels are exposed to sustained high risk operations.

Conclusion

The Club continues to closely monitor developments and will provide further updates as appropriate. Members are urged to exercise caution, maintain proactive risk management and prioritise both vessel safety and crew wellbeing during this period of heightened regional tension.