Middle East

Iranian Tankers Resume Normal AIS Signals After Years

For the first time since 2018, most Iranian-flagged tankers are transmitting accurate locations via the Automatic Identification System (AIS).

A cargo ship and AIS symbol with an Iranian flag n the background

Qatar Eases Maritime Ban but GPS Issues Still Persist

Qatar has partially lifted its maritime navigation ban, easing the restrictions that were imposed on October 4 following widespread GPS disruptions.

A view of Qatar and surrounding waters from the air

Qatar Suspends Navigation Amid Widespread GPS Failures

Qatar temporarily suspends all vessel movements in its waters, citing a “technical fault in the GPS” that's disrupted maritime navigation routes.

The flag of Qatar flying against a blue and white cloudy sky

Houthis Claim Attack and Announce New U.S. Targets

Houthis have confirmed responsibility for the latest assault in the Red Sea and identified new American-linked targets, according to a statement.

A map of the Middle east showing the location of the Houthi attack

Aggregate Carrier Sana Partially Sinks Off Kish Island

On September 24th, an aggregate carrier named Sana partially sank in the Persian Gulf, while it was roughly two miles south of Kish Island, Iran.

The aggreggate carrier Sana being approached by a rescue boat

Cargo Ship Reports Near Miss in Attack Off Aden Coast

September 23, British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations confirmed an attack on a vessel around 120 nautical miles east of Aden.

Map of the Middle East showing where the container ship was attacked

Israeli Airstrikes Hit Yemen’s Hodeidah Port Facilities

The Yemeni port of Hodeidah was struck by a series of Israeli air raids on September 16th, following an evacuation warning issued by the IDF.

A map of the Middle East showing Hodeidah port in Yemen

Beirut Blast Ship Owner Arrested in Bulgaria

Bulgarian authorities have detained Igor Grechushkin, the shipowner linked to the ammonium nitrate that triggered the Beirut port explosion.

The port of Beirut after the explosion in 2020

Cruise Passenger Jumps Ship to Dodge Casino Debt

Most cruise passengers wait for the gangway to disembark but one man aboard Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas chose a far more dramatic exit

Stacks of casino chips

Spain Bans Military Cargo Shipments Bound for Israel

Spain has introduced a ban preventing ships and aircraft transporting weapons or military-grade fuel to Israel from accessing its ports or airspace

Barcelona Port, Spain

Cargo Vessel Fire Contained at Haifa Port

On September 4th a fire erupted on the Panama-registered cargo ship Meike while it was docked at the port of Haifa, Israel. No injuries occurred.

A view across the port of Haifa, Israel

ITF Urges Action Over Abandoned Tanker Global Peace

ITF has sounded the alarm over the plight of seafarers aboard the Global Peace, a tanker abandoned by its owners and stranded off the UAE coast.

The oil tanker, Global Peace, at sea with an Indian seafarer standing in the foreground

Israeli-Linked Ship Reports Explosion Near Yanbu

Israeli-owned vessel flying the Liberian flag reports hearing explosion and splash while sailing 40 nautical miles off the Saudi port of Yanbu.

A map with a pin near the Saudi port of Yanbu

Turkey Bars Israeli-Linked Ships; ZIM Confirms Diversions

ZIM says Turkish authorities have barred vessels with Israeli ties from entering Turkey’s ports, marking a fresh escalation in Ankara’s sanctions

Ambarli Port in Turkey at sunset

Houthis Issue Warnings to Dozens of Global Shipowners

Yemen's Houthi faction has escalated its efforts to disrupt maritime activity in the Red Sea by formally warning 64 international shipowners.

An exclamation point in a red triangle indicating a warning sign

Iraqi Navy Seizes Tanker in Anti-Smuggling Crackdown

An oil tanker flying the Liberian flag has been detained by the Iraqi navy at Basra amid ongoing efforts to combat oil smuggling operations.

The Port of Basra in Iraq

Maltese Bulk Carrier Sparks Outcry Over Israel Coal Cargo

Maltese-flagged bulk carrier criticized for transporting coal bound for Israel’s Port Hadera. Activists argue it's breach of Colombian export ban

The flag of Malta

Houthis Share Video of Eternity C Crew, Escalate Threats

On July 28, Yemen’s Houthi rebels announced they had rescued 10 crew members from the Eternity C, a cargo ship that sank earlier this month.

A sinking bulk carrier having been attacked by Houthis

Greece Sends Salvage Ship Amid Houthi Threats

In response to a rise in maritime assaults by Yemen’s Houthi militants, Greece deploys salvage vessel to Red Sea. after the sinking of two bulkers

Illustration showing disruptions in the Red Sea region

EU and UK Sanction UAE Firm Backing Russia's Tanker Fleet

The United Kingdom and the European Union have imposed sanctions on Intershipping Services, a company that is based in the United Arab Emirates.

The flag of Gabon