security News - VesselAPI

security February 18, 2026

Concerns Rise Over Maritime Industry's Use of False Flags

David Heindel from the International Transport Workers’ Federation highlights the risks associated with the maritime industry's use of flags of convenience, as reported by Splash247. The rise of shadow fleets and false flags has raised concerns about maritime security, sanctions enforcement, and environmental safety, with seafarers' rights often being overlooked.

Splash247

gCaptain

security February 17, 2026

France Releases Oil Tanker GRINCH After Penalty for Sanctions Evasion

The oil tanker GRINCH has been released by France following the imposition of a multi-million euro penalty on its owner for allegedly participating in Russia's shadow fleet to evade European oil sanctions, as reported by gCaptain.

GRINCH (tanker)

gCaptain

security February 17, 2026

Security Concerns Rise as Merchant Vessel Encounters Armed Skiffs Near Aden

gCaptain reports that a merchant vessel encountered armed skiffs approximately 70 nautical miles southwest of Aden, Yemen, causing a brief alarm. Authorities later downgraded the incident to 'suspicious activity,' highlighting ongoing security risks in the Gulf of Aden.

gCaptain

security February 17, 2026

Russia Threatens Naval Action Over Vessel Seizures by Europe

Nikolai Patrushev, a prominent Russian official, has warned that Russia might use its navy to prevent European countries from seizing Russian vessels and could retaliate against European shipping, as reported by gCaptain. This statement underscores rising tensions between Russia and Western nations over maritime security.

gCaptain

Splash247

security February 17, 2026

Madagascar Uncovers Surge in Fraudulent Ship Registrations

Madagascar has alerted the International Maritime Organization about a rise in fraudulent ship registrations, involving nine vessels falsely using Madagascar's flag state documents, as reported by Splash247. The vessels include general cargo ships and various types of tankers.

Splash247

gCaptain

security February 16, 2026

India Seizes Iran-Linked Tankers Amid Heightened Surveillance

India has confiscated three tankers linked to Iran that were under U.S. sanctions, as reported by gCaptain. The move is part of India's increased maritime surveillance efforts to prevent illegal trade.

gCaptain

Seatrade Maritime

security February 16, 2026

Sanctioned Tankers with Murky Ownership Arrive at Alang

Seatrade Maritime reports that three tankers with unclear ownership have arrived off Alang, as the dark fleet faces increased scrutiny. The vessels are part of a broader trend of sanctioned tankers being sent to the subcontinent.

Alang (IN)

Seatrade Maritime

Splash247

security February 16, 2026

US Seizes Panamanian-Flagged VLCC Veronica III in Indian Ocean

Splash247 reports that US forces have seized the Panamanian-flagged VLCC Veronica III in the Indian Ocean. The Pentagon stated that the tanker was tracked from the Caribbean, highlighting Washington's commitment to enforcing its blockade on sanctioned oil flows from Venezuela.

Veronica III (tanker)

Splash247

gCaptain

security February 15, 2026

Ukrainian Drones Strike Russian Taman Seaport Ahead of Geneva Talks

Ukrainian drones targeted Russia's Taman seaport on the Black Sea, causing damage to fuel tanks and port terminals, as reported by gCaptain. This incident occurs just days before Russian and Ukrainian negotiators are set to meet in Geneva for US-led peace talks.

Taman seaport (RU)

gCaptain

security February 15, 2026

U.S. Forces Intercept Sanctioned Tanker 'Veronica III' in Indian Ocean

U.S. forces have boarded the sanctioned oil tanker VERONICA III in the Indian Ocean, marking the ninth vessel seized or interdicted in an escalating campaign against the shadow fleet transporting illicit Venezuelan oil, as reported by gCaptain.

VERONICA III (tanker)

gCaptain