security News - VesselAPI

security February 5, 2026

Estonia Clears Baltic Spirit After Unsuccessful Drug Raid

The Baltic Spirit, a ship bound for Russia, was released by Estonian authorities after a SWAT operation involving a helicopter found no drugs on board, as reported by gCaptain. The incident underscores the challenges smaller NATO countries face in policing Baltic shipping.

Baltic Spirit

gCaptain

Seatrade Maritime

security February 5, 2026

UANI Urges Crackdown on Oil Transfers in Malaysian Waters

Seatrade Maritime reports that Malaysia's Exclusive Economic Zone has become a focal point for sanctioned crude oil ship-to-ship transfers, valued at $47.7 billion, between Iran and China. The United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) has called for action against these 'dark fleet' activities.

Seatrade Maritime

Splash247

security February 5, 2026

Raytheon to Develop Drone Defense for Maritime Security

Raytheon has been chosen by the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to create a new system to safeguard commercial shipping and naval logistics vessels from maritime threats, as reported by Splash247. The project, under DARPA's Pulling Guard programme, aims to counter risks from unmanned systems.

Splash247

gCaptain

security February 4, 2026

Security Concerns Rise as Stena Imperative Faces Confrontation in Strait of Hormuz

The US-flagged tanker Stena Imperative was confronted by Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting a US Navy escort, as reported by gCaptain. This incident underscores the increasing maritime security risks in this strategic shipping route.

Stena Imperative

gCaptain

security February 4, 2026

Estonia Detains Bahamian Container Ship Suspected of Smuggling

Estonia's Tax and Customs Board has detained a container ship flying the Bahamian flag in Estonia's internal waters, suspected of being linked to smuggling activities from Ecuador, as reported by gCaptain.

gCaptain

security February 3, 2026

Two Arrested for Alleged Sabotage of German Warships in Hamburg

Two workers have been arrested in Hamburg on suspicion of sabotaging German warships, as reported by gCaptain. The prosecutor general's office announced the arrests, which are related to incidents in 2025.

Hamburg (DE)

gCaptain

security February 3, 2026

Malaysia Releases Tankers in Suspected Illegal Oil Transfer Case

Malaysia has quietly released two crude oil tankers that were seized on suspicion of conducting unauthorized ship-to-ship transfers off Penang, as reported by gCaptain. This incident highlights the challenges in enforcing regulations against the shadow fleet operating in the region.

gCaptain

security February 3, 2026

Iranian Forces Harass U.S.-Flagged Tanker in Strategic Strait

The U.S.-flagged tanker Stena Imperative was reportedly harassed by Iranian forces while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for U.S. military fuel supply, as reported by gCaptain. This incident underscores ongoing tensions in the region.

Stena Imperative

gCaptain

Seatrade Maritime

security February 3, 2026

Iranian Gunboats Threaten US Tanker in Strait of Hormuz

Seatrade Maritime reports that six Iranian gunboats armed with .50-calibre guns threatened the US-flagged tanker Stena Imperative in the Strait of Hormuz, ordering it to stop its engines. The incident highlights ongoing tensions in the region.

Stena Imperative (tanker)

Seatrade Maritime

gCaptain

security February 3, 2026

Merchant Ship Hailed by Armed Craft in Strait of Hormuz

A merchant vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz was hailed by multiple small armed craft, as reported by gCaptain. The incident is currently under investigation, according to a maritime security advisory from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

gCaptain