A Permanent Solution Called For

The Houthi rebels’ ongoing targeting of unarmed merchant ships in the Red Sea as a reaction to the persistent conflict in Gaza is becoming a growing concern for the safety of the seafarers, making it extremely difficult to conduct trade without disruption.

Given the prominence of the Red Sea, it serves as one of the world’s most tightly packed shipping channels. It facilitates over 12% of global trade and 30% of shipping containers. The Red Sea is located south of the Suez Canal and serves as an important route into the most important waterway connecting Europe to Asia and Africa.

With major container lines and oil majors saying that they will no longer cross the Red Sea and will instead route vessels via the Cape of Good Hope, this means increased costs for the end consumer.

A seafarer, whose work transcends politics, religion, and nationality, is the key cog in maintaining global trade. It is unfortunate that sailors, who are classified as essential workers, were disregarded during the COVID crises and now face this new crisis.

While a task force has been put together to address the situation consisting of 12 countries it is rather important that more countries join and reach an agreement to have a permanent solution.

“In India, Foreign Owners Representatives and Ship Managers Association (FOSMA), along with Indian National Shipowners’ Association (INSA) and Maritime Association of Shipowners Shipmanagers and Agents (MASSA) have appealed to the Indian government via the office of the Director General of Shipping and we have seen a favourable response from their side,” stated Capt Sankalp Shukla, Chairman, FOSMA.

Echoing Capt Shukla’s sentiments, Capt Halbe, CEO of MASSA, suggests, “The indiscriminate attack on ships transiting through the Red Sea could not only inflict harm to property and (seafarers’) lives, but could also create catastrophic environmental damage. Given this, an all-out international effort is required to cease hostilities in Gaza, which appear to be the main reason. The ‘rebels’ have already proved their prowess by attacking ships far from the combat zone. As a result, war is not an option.”

To prevent such attacks on cargo ships and seafarers traversing the Red Sea or any piracy infected areas, we need a permanent solution that establishes a comprehensive security policy that includes:-

Enhanced Maritime Patrols: Increase the deployment of naval forces and patrol vessels in the Red Sea region to discourage potential threats and respond quickly to them. This could entail cooperation between countries with common interests in securing maritime routes.

Advanced Surveillance Technology: Use modern marine surveillance technologies including radar, sonar, and satellite tracking to improve situational awareness and detect suspicious activity in real time.

International Collaboration: Encourage regional and international organisations to work together to exchange intelligence, coordinate responses, and establish joint task forces committed to maritime security.

Security Escort Services: Provide cargo ship security escort services, possibly through private maritime security businesses or coordinated initiatives with naval personnel. This may involve the presence of armed guards on board.

Vessel Risk Assessments: Conduct thorough risk evaluations for each cargo ship transiting the Red Sea. Consider cargo type, route, and recent security incidents when tailoring security measures.

Crisis Communication Protocols: Establish effective communication channels between maritime authorities, ship operators, and appropriate security agencies in the case of an emergency to facilitate rapid response and coordination.

Regional Agreements: Create and strengthen regional agreements and frameworks to address marine security challenges, boosting cooperation among neighbouring countries to tackle piracy and other maritime threats collectively.

Legal Measures: Enforce and reinforce anti-piracy and marine crime legislation. International collaboration may be required to punish offenders and ensure a deterrent effect.

Infrastructure construction: Invest in the construction of infrastructure to assist marine security, such as surveillance systems, secure port facilities, and communication networks.

Training and Capacity Building: Train naval troops, coast guards, and private security teams participating in maritime security operations through training programmes and capacity-building initiatives.

Public Awareness: Raise awareness of potential threats in the region among ship operators and crews, and foster a culture of vigilance and adherence to security protocols.

Risk Assessments and Adaptations on a Regular Basis: Conduct regular assessments of the security situation and adapt measures as needed. Flexibility is essential for efficiently responding to emerging threats.

Marex Media

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Miss Delphine Estibeiro
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