Maritime Intelligence Report Series

13 Pages·2017·1.34 MB·English

Maritime Intelligence 14th February 2018
Report Series Issue 114
1
“Making the world a safer place to live and work”
MAST Services
MAST has the experience, capability and global presence to provide comprehensive sup-
port to our clients.
Maritime Risk Consulting
• Counter piracy • Due Diligence
• ISPS services • Risk management
• Training • Crisis management
• Dispute Resolution - Arundel Resolution • EOD Services
• Training
Technical Yacht Security Physical and Asset Protection
• Cyber Assurance Services
• Close Protection
• System Design, Installation and Maintenance
• Residential Security
• Bespoke Access & Oversight Capabilities
• Vessel Wide Risk System Integration • Security Chauffeurs
• Project Survey and Audits
• Events and Clubs
• Technical Consultancy
• Training
• Cyber Risk Consultancy
• TSCM Sweeping Services
• Comms Vulnerability Assessments
This report is copyright of Maritime Asset Security and Training (MAST) © 2018. All rights reserved.
This report is intended to provide general information about maritime intelligence topics but does not provide individual advice
and the creators assume no liability for the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of any information contained herein, or though
links you will find in it. Furthermore, using this report or sending MAST emails does not create a service provider- client relation-
ship. It is intended only as an introduction to ideas and concepts only. It should not be treated as a definitive guide, nor should it
be considered to cover every area of concern or regarded as an advice.
If you copy from this report, you have to refer to Maritime Asset Security and Training (MAST) Ltd as the source of the copied
material. You may not, except with our express written permission, commercially exploit the content.
MAST UK: [phone] [email protected] www.mast-security.com 2
14th February 2018 Issue 114
Issue 114 of the series reviews, analyses and threat assesses the fragile and conflict affected
coastal states Libya, Somalia and Yemen. The Mediterranean migrant crisis, incidents af-
fecting maritime security and influencing maritime news are also reported and analysed,
focusing on the keys theatres of maritime instability.
“Making the world a safer place to live and work”
The Maritime Intelligence Report Series focuses on: Contents: Page
Mast Services 2
• Operational risks in areas of instability which could
affect the safety of commercial and private vessels Indian Ocean region 4
and personnel ashore and at sea.
Somalia 5
• In country reporting on key countries where civil
Yemen 6
conflict are directly impacting on maritime opera-
tions; and Yemen Ports 7
Mediterranean 8
• Reporting and analysis of incidents of terrorism, pi-
racy and other related criminal activity.
Libya 9

MAST has a global reach and presence, delivering Gulf of Guinea 10
first hand, accurate and exclusive intelligence. MAST
South East Asia 11
is entrenched and committed in continuing to support
and promote the awareness of the very real risks that
Central & South America 12
seafarers and other stakeholders face.
Severe Weather Warnings 13
This Intelligence Report Series is a brief snapshot of
MAST’s Intelligence capabilities. MAST Intelligence
specialises in providing clients with a suite of prod-
ucts and services, including; political and economic
risk analysis, detailed port and vessel security briefs,
vessel passage plans, threat and risk mitigation and
travel risk management.

Working closely in conjunction with a host of experts,
MAST Intelligence offers a market leading service
pertaining to all maritime affairs.
Follow MAST on LinkedIn and Twitter to keep abreast
with these insightful weekly reports and more —
including real time security updates.
Editor: David Rider
www.mast-security.com
MAST UK 24/7 Emergency Telephone
[phone] [phone]
[email protected]
3
“Making the world a safer place to live and work”
Indian Ocean Region
An international team from Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 recently travelled to the Seychelles for
Exercise Cutlass Express 2018 from Jan 29th to Feb. 7th to improve maritime law enforcement capac-
ity and promote national and regional security in eastern Africa. A team of Royal Australian Navy and
Royal Canadian Navy sailors from CTF150 headquarters joined Her Majesty’s Australian Ship (HMAS)
Warramunga, fresh from her string of successful drugs interdictions earlier this year to participated in
exercises with regional and partner navies.
Incidents: Nothing significant to report. recruitment of adequate and skilled security personnel at the
harbour.
Sea Shepherd Launches Operation Jodari with Tanzania,
Makes First Three Arrests Cochin: India shipyard blast kills five people
After completing a covert 20-day patrol resulting in the arrest Five people have been killed in a blast in a shipyard in the
of three vessels for fisheries crimes, the Sea Shepherd vessel southern Indian state of Kerala, officials said. The explosion oc-
M/Y Ocean Warrior has arrived in Dar es Salaam to officially curred on Tuesday 13th on board a ship that was docked at
launch Operation Jodari, a campaign in partnership with the the Cochin port for repairs. Police told BBC’s Ashraf Padanna
government of the United Republic of Tanzania to tackle ille- everyone else on board was rescued, the situation was “under
gal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing in the Western control” and they did not expect further casualties.
Indian Ocean region.
BIMCO/ICS/INTERTANKO Guidance for Bab el-Mandeb
EU Navfor Promoting Indian Ocean Cooperation In response to the new threats arising from the Yemeni hos-
Rear Admiral Alfonso Nanclares, EU NAVFOR Deputy Com- tilities, BIMCO, ICS and INTERTANKO have published interim
mander, extended Operation Atalanta’s commitment support guidance on maritime security in the southern Red Sea and
to the Regional Centre for Operational Coordination (RCOC) in Bab al-Mandeb Strait, an area essential to trade and yet which
the Seychelles. involves a passage where war now rages. The advice should
still be heeded in conjunction with the BMP4 instructions. To
Safety of Shipments Guaranteed As Dar es Salaam Port Tight- download the PDF, please click here.
ens Security
Traders using the Dar es Salaam Port for imports and exports To see MAST’s services in the Indian Ocean Region, please
should be rest assured on safety of their shipments, thanks to click here.
installation of Integrated Security System (ISS), training and
1st December 2015 HRA limits
Hijack
Kidnap
Approach/Attack
Suspicious Activity
Theft
MAST UK: [phone] [email protected] www.mast-security.com 4
“Making the world a safer place to live and work”
Somalia
Kenyan security forces have repulsed an attack in the country by suspected Al-Shabaab militants at
a Special Forces Camp in Kutulo, Wajir County commander Stephen Ngetich has said. The attackers
invaded the Special forces camp on February 9th, resulting in a gun battle that ended with the as-
sailants retreating after around 90 minutes. Casualty figures have yet to be released.
Somalia given greenlight to respond in border case ing. Eyewitnesses said the incident took place near Taredishe
The International Court of Justice has allowed Somalia to file area along Mogadishu-Afgoye corridor early in the morning
a response to a case in which it has sued Kenya over a mari- after a remote-controlled landmine struck a civilian bus.
time border. The court announced on Feb. 12th that Somalia
New Somali fishing agreement signed
should respond to Kenya’s claim that the current flow of the
After long-standing controversies related to the country’s
maritrime border between the two countries should remain
natural resources, Somalia’s government has signed a deal
intact by June 18th.
with the regional states that would see all sides sharing the
Funding Al Shabaab untapped marine resources. The new agreement gives the
The al Qaeda affiliate, Al Shabaab, is making millions of dol- regional administrations an authority to grant licenses to
lars each year by exploiting foreign aid money sent to Soma- foreign fishing companies in 24 nautical miles in the Exclusive
lia by the very western nations who are trying to eliminate the Economic Zone (EEZ) while the Government manages waters
terror group, CNN reported. Their investigation has revealed beyond that.
how money given directly by the United Nations to people
displaced by conflict and famine is ending up in the hands of IED kills two Somali soldiers
Africa’s oldest terrorist organization. Al Shabaab militants killed at least two Somali National Army
(SNA) soldiers with a remote-controlled improvised explosive
Roadside Mine Blast Kills 3 Civilians Outside Mogadishu device (IED) in Afgoi district, Lower Shabelle region, southern
A roadside bomb blast has killed at least three civilians on the Somalia on February 7th.
outskirts of Mogadishu, the Somali capital on Thursday morn-
Analysis
Control of Somali territory (March 2017) Source: Wikimedia
Al Shabaab continues to mount operations against civilian and
Commons
military targets in Somalia, seizing military bases and equipment
before being driven off by AMISOM forces, despite combined ac-
tion against them from Somali, African Union and US forces.
Threat Assessment
Somalia held Presidential elections in February 2017. After a
peaceful transition of power, Somalia continues to face familiar
problems. Al Shabaab frequently ambushes AMISOM and local
security forces denying any significant process to the shaping of
a stable country which is vital before Somalia can tackle humani-
tarian and economic issues. Somalia is recovering from a severe
drought which led to widespread famine with an identified 2.9
million people facing food insecurity. Youth unemployment in
Somalia has not improved with 67% of Somali male youths aged
between 14 to 29 unemployed. Pirate financiers offer lucrative
and attractive opportunities, and were seen to be increasingly ac-
tive in the last inter-monsoon period. Somalia continues to be a
permissive location for kidnap and ransom piracy operations. So-
malia has both an EU and UN arms embargo in place under UN-
SCR Resolution 2317 in place until November 15th 2018. The on-
going threat to shipping in the region has been made clear by the
military bodies which monitor the region. A lack of adherence to
BMP4 protocol, particularly not maintaining a safe distance off the
coast, has increased risks to shipping. BMP4 advises: “non-Somali
fishing vessels should avoid operating or transiting within 200nm
of the coast of Somalia, irrespective of whether or not they have
Under control of Al Shabaab and allies been issued with license to do so”. Merchant vessels would be
Under control of neutral forces wise to maintain the same distance from the coast, particularly
Under control of Government and allies ensuring that the Socotra Gap isn’t taken. All vessels are advised
Somaliland Government to update risk assessments and register with UKMTO/MSCHOA
Territory disputed by Puntland and Somaliland prior to entering the Indian Ocean High Risk Area.
MAST UK: [phone] [email protected] www.mast-security.com 5
“Making the world a safer place to live and work”
Yemen
Twenty-two Ethiopian migrants are missing after being dumped in the sea off Yemen, the U.N. Inter-
national Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Friday 9th. IOM spokesman Joel Millman said the
missing people were on one of four boats that brought 602 Ethiopian men and women to the coast of
Yemen’s Shabwa governorate in the past 24 hours. “We understand that passengers on the boat had
been dropped into deep water and forced to swim to shore. No bodies have been recovered but 22
remain unaccounted for,” Millman said.
Threat Assessment in time break free from their moorings and drift. While there is
The situation in Aden remains calm following recent clashes little cause for concern right now, this is something we will be
between the Transitional Political Council of the South (STC) watching closely for in the coming months.
and pro-Hadi forces. Both sides have committed to maintain The terrorist threat, likely to be led by AQAP, has been dem-
peace between them while they concentrate on the fight onstrated against LNGC Galicia Spirit in October 2016 and MT
against Houthi rebels. Last week saw Yemeni forces, backed Muskie in May 2017. Both were attempted but failed attacks
by UAE troops, take control of the town of Hays and push into which occurred in the BAM and were against fuel laden ves-
the outskirts of Al Jarrrahi, in Hodeidah province. As coalition sels. The intent of the attacks was to detonate a bomb either
forces near Hodeidah itself, the risk to shipping increases, as on or alongside the target vessel in order to cause a spec-
per threats from Houthi commanders to attack merchant traf- tacular and/or considerable environmental damage which
fic in the Red Sea. would detrimentally affect navigation through the strait. Offi-
Food and fuel shortages remain a huge issue, as both the Hou- cial reports on the Galicia Spirit detail evidence of attempted
this and coalition accuse each other of slowing aid supplies to boarding and substantial damage to the hull and superstruc-
the country. While some ports have re-opened, there remains ture of the vessel. The bomb detonated prematurely and was
an urgent need to speed up relief efforts. Houthi rebels have supported by RPG and small arms fire. Similarly, the second
continued their attempts to strike Saudi targets with ballistic attempt on the MT Muskie failed. It is feasible that a similar at-
missiles, with liimited success. There have been no new re- tack will be attempted in the future.
ports of mining attempts in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, but there Advice from the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), recom-
has been an increase in the number of suspicious approach- mends that merchant traffic transiting the Gulf of Aden to the
es on merchant vessels in these waters, prompting UKMTO Red Sea are advised to pass through the area between 44 00
to issue a warning on Jan. 6th (please see our Indian Ocean East in the Gulf of Aden and 13 00 N in the Southern Red Sea
page for details). Not entirely surprisingly the conflict has spilt during the hours of darkness and exit the Traffic Separation
into the maritime domain. The main protagonists have been Scheme to the West of the Hanish Islands in daylight hours.
the Houthi rebels and they have been remarkably success- The frequency of these incidents, where vessels are ap-
ful at targeting warships and auxiliary vessels with missiles, proached and in some cases attacked by armed men in small
anti-tank rockets and remotely controlled boats laden with boats, indicates that the threat assessment remains ‘Substan-
explosives. While it is possible that a commercial vessel could tial’ – an attack is a strong possibility. The recent threat by Hou-
fall victim to poor targeting, the most worrying development tis to target oil tankers should not be ignored by CSOs and
is the possible deployment of sea mines by Houthi rebels in Masters.
entrances to harbours. We believe these have been locally
manufactured and the clear and present danger is that any MAST recommends BMP measures be enforced and watches
that are not identified and removed by the Saudi forces will strengthened during transits in the region.
Houthi
Pro Hadi Government Forces
Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Control of Yemen territory (February 12th 2018)
Source: Wikimedia Commons
MAST UK: [phone] [email protected] www.mast-security.com 6
“Making the world a safer place to live and work”
Yemen Ports
Nothing significant to report.
UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism for Yemen (UNVIM)
The UN’s Secretary-General has decided to institute a UNVIM for the facilitation of commercial imports to Yemen, at the re-
quest of the Government of the Republic of Yemen and in line with Security Council resolution 2216 (2015).
UNVIM is operational with immediate effect. Shipping companies or vessel owners shipping commercial goods or services to
any port not under the direct control of the Government of Yemen (Salif, Mokha, Hudaydah and associated oil terminals) need
to apply for permits upon departure of the port of origin of their cargo. For further details click here.
UN arms embargo imposed by UN Security Council Resolution 2216 of 2015 is in place.
Port Aden:
• The port of Aden is under the protection of the Republic of Yemen security forces.
• Merchant vessels wishing to enter Yemeni ports must first apply for a permit through the Yemeni Ministry of Transportation;
contact: [email protected] for more information.
• Final clearance to enter Yemeni ports (with permits in place) is authenticated by the coalition guard ship.
• Ash Shihr Oil Terminal: Fully operational.
• Port of Nishtun: Fully operational.
• Port of Hodeidah: Fully operational.
• Port of Al Mukalla: Fully operational.
• Port of Saleef: Open to humanitarian aid.
• Port of Mokha: Closed.
• Port of Balhaf: Closed.
• Ras Isa Marine Terminal (FSO): Closed.
• Ras Isa Petroleum Products Reception Facility: Closed.
MAST UK: [phone] [email protected] www.mast-security.com 7
“Making the world a safer place to live and work”
Mediterranean
IOM, the UN Migration Agency, reported on Feb, 9th that 7,795 migrants and refugees entered Europe
by sea through the first five and a half weeks of 2018, with about 60 per cent arriving in Italy and the
remainder divided between Greece and Spain, both at roughly 20 per cent. This compares with 12,217
arrivals across the region through the same period last year.
29 rescued, at least 5 missing off Granada
A Spanish coast guard cutter rescued 29 migrants from a
boat that was sinking some seven miles off the coast of Gra-
nada on the night of Feb. 12th. According to some sources, at
least five other passengers are missing. The boat was sighted
by a merchant ship as it was struggling in poor weather con-
ditions. About a dozen of the 29 rescued migrants were saved
by crew from the Salvamar cutter when they were already in
the sea and about to drown
Morocco Dismantles Migrant-Smuggling Ring
Police authorities in the city of Sale dismantled an organ-
ized crime ring on Saturday 10th, arresting four individuals
involved in smuggling migrants following a detailed inves-
tigation. Migrant crossings 2015-2018. Source: UNHRC
The current migrant smuggling situation
Coastguards find three dead migrants on boat, rescue 82
Despite the best efforts of all concerned, migrant crossing at-
Spain’s coastguards rescued 82 migrants trying to cross the
tempts at the beginning of 2018 show little sign of slowing. As of
Mediterranean on Friday but found the bodies of three other
Feb. 13th, 8097 people had arrived in Europe, with an estimated
people on board one boat. The coastguard said the migrants
382 losing their lives at sea.
were on two separate boats and were rescued in the Alboran
It would appear that the agreement between Italy and Libya is
Sea, between Morocco and Spain’s Andalusian coast.
failing, and new smuggling operations have picked up where
others left off.
Mediterranean migrant crossings to Italy double in a month
Ghana estimates that there are around 53,000 of its citizens cur-
The number of migrants crossing the Mediterranean to Italy
rently trapped in Libya, while Libyan authorities themselves ap-
doubled in a month to reach 4,800 in January, latest figures
pear to be struggling to stem the flow.
show. Fighting near departure points in North Africa and poor
Politically, Italy needs the ongoing agreement to work, if only to
weather were blamed for a dip in people-smuggling activi-
show the Italian public that it’s making efforts to halt migrancy
ties in December.
ahead of the national elections there in March. The major par-
ties involved are generally taking a hard position on immigra-

tion, which is likely to spillover into the maritime domain over

the coming weeks.
Map depicting major migrant routes in the Mediterranean (UNHCR figures last updated on Feb. 13th 2018). Source: UNHRC
MAST UK: [phone] [email protected] www.mast-security.com 8
“Making the world a safer place to live and work”
Libya
Libya’s oil production topped 1.038.000 bpd of crude oil and 1.133.000 of total liquids in January 2018,
the highest in nearly 5 years, energy-data provider Genscape firm reported on Feb. 12th. The firm
stated that these figures are the same recorded in July 2013, attributing the matter to the relatively
stable situation in the majority of oil fields in January, without a steep fall in production levels due to
weather conditions or armed attacks.
Libya’s Haftar visits Egypt ahead of planned attack on Derna a solution to the current bloodshed, but, “if the situation and
Khalifa Haftar visited Egypt part of as what has been referred to the chaos that is going on now continue after the elections,
as “joint coordination between Egypt and the army leadership then we will say enough is enough and take action,” The im-
plicit threat of further military action by his forces should be
in the fight against terrorism”. Haftar’s Eastern-based LNA, one
taken seriously by the EU and others, who have courted Haftar
of a number of factions that have vied for power in Libya since
but failed to deliver anything of substance to placate him.
a 2011 uprising ended Muammar Gaddafi’s four-decade rule,
Ports currently operational in Libya are: Benghazi, Zawiyah,
is waging a military campaign against a coalition of militants
Tripoli, Misrata, Marsa El Brega, Tobruk, Al Khoms, Marsa El
and ex-rebels known as the Derna Mujahideen Shura Council Hariga. Farwah, Bouri, Zuwarah, Zuetina and Es Sider.
(DMSC) that controls Derna. Threat Assessment
Ongoing issues with terminal safety remain an issue for the
Analysis National Oil Company and Haftar’s forces who control the oil
Oil production in 2017 helped lower the country’s financial de- crescent. This situation is unlikely to change in the near future,
fecit by 48%, according to figures released by the Central Bank particularly with the current militia fighting around Sabratha
of Libya on Jan. 6th. The continuing production stream is cru- and Melittah and potential to spill over into oil pipeline attacks.
cial to the country’s economic recovery. To that end, the Libyan 2017 saw several vessels seized by Libyan Coast Guard and
National Oil Company (NOC), announced on Jan. 8th that it was Navy elements who accused them of smuggling or entering
calling for the reopening of the Ras Lanuf crude oil refinery, the country’s TTW illegally.
after the NOC won two arbitration cases against the Libyan The incidents underline the extremely dangerous nature of
Emirati Refinery Company (LERCO) and Trasta, the owner and Libyan waters and vessels should ensure they have the correct
operator of the refinery. It is hoped that the refinery will come permission from the appropriate authority before entering. At
back on line in the second half of 2018. the time of this report, at least one vessel remains under arrest
The political landscape continues to be a cause for concern, for illegal fishing and tanker traffic is likely to be questioned
however. Saif Al-Islam, the son of former dictator, Muammar by the Navy or Coast Guard upon entering Liyba’s TTW. The
Gaddafi, announced his intention of running for president. Lo- NGO/migrant exclusion zone remains in effect. The majority of
cal reports suggest he has significant support from a number vessels calling at Libyan ports are trouble free, however there
of tribes in the country, but the international community is nat- is scope for vessels to encounter local issues. It is advised that
urally not keen on his return, given the potential for civil unrest before visiting a risk assessment is conducted on the area of
and public anger. operation and the fast moving political and military situations
The suggestion in Libya is that the current peace negotiations monitored closely.
have reached a dead end, with Khalifa Haftar’s hopes of being
elected into power apparently faltering. His position has be- MAST is able to provide risk assessments and crew training to
come more entrenched in recent weeks, and he dismissed the improve situational awareness and risk appreciation. The ad-
news about a potential bid by Gaddafi. More worryingly, Haftar ditional threat to shipping should not be taken lightly.
told media sources that: “Libya is not ready yet for democracy,”
adding that the upcoming elections in the country must bring
Controlled by the Government of National Accord Controlled by local forces
Control of Northern Libyan territory (Feb. 13th
Controlled by ISIS
Controlled by the Tobruk led government 2018)
Controlled by Tuareg forces Source: Wikimedia Commons
MAST UK: [phone] [email protected] www.mast-security.com 9
“Making the world a safer place to live and work”
Gulf of Guinea
Unconfirmed reports suggest that four crew – Master, Chief Officer, 2nd Officer and 1 AB – were kid-
napped on February 9th after their vessel was boarded by 10 pirates off Nigeria. While the incident
itself has been reported, there has been no official word from reporting bodies or military in the region
regarding the crew kidnap.
Incidents: ing the sudden deployment of gunboats and security opera-
1. Persons armed with AK47 assault rifles boarded a China- tives to quell militancy, illegal oil bunkering and oil pipeline
flagged fishing vessel at 1245 UTC in position: 04:06N – 008:51E, vandalism in the area.
around 10nm SW of Idenao, Cameroon. The perpetrators kid-
napped three crew members and escaped. Cameroonian Au- US donates patrol boats to Senegal and Cabo Verde
thorities notified and are currently investigating the incident. The US military has donated two patrol boats to Senegal’s
Reported (IMB) 9th Feb. Navy and five patrol boats to Cabo Verde to enhance their
maritime security, with an emphasis on combating drug traf-
2. MV attacked by unknown assailants at 1030 UTC in position ficking.
03:43N – 006:45E, around 47nm SSW of Bonny Island, Nige-
ria. Vessel sent SSAS distress alarm and relayed MAYDAY on Bayelsa, Navy Partner To Fight Oil Theft, Kidnappings
VHF16. Vessel and crew Safe. Reported (MDAT) 9th Feb. Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has reiterated his
administration’s commitment to partner with the Nigerian
3. Underway MV approached by one skiff at 1318 UTC in po- Navy to clampdown on all forms of criminal activities such as,
sition 03:28N - 006:56E, around 57nm SSW of Bonny Island, crude oil thefts, sea pirates and kidnappings in the state wa-
Nigeria. Skiff appeared starboard side w/ 8 POB at 4.5nm with terways.
a CPA less than 1nm before it increased its speed to 22kts. Em-
barked AST stood to. Skiff reduced speed and moved away.
MV is Safe. Reported (MDAT) 7th Feb.
MAST provides escort vessels in partnership with trusted Ni-
Nigerian government deploys gunboats in Niger Delta to gerian partnered MoU holding companies.
combat militancy
There was uneasy calm in Aruton, Ode-Ugborodo and other To see MAST Services in the region, please click here.
neighbouring communities of Delta State on Feb. 12th, follow-
1
2
3
3°30’ 4°00’ 4°30’ 5°00’ 5°30’ 6°00’ 6°30’ 7°00’ 7°30’ 8°00’
6°00’
5°30’
5°00’ Hijack
Kidnap
4°30’ Approach/Attack
2
4°00’ Suspicious Activity
Theft
3°30’
MAST UK: [phone] [email protected] www.mast-security.com 10