Latest maritime security updates and reports
Seatrade Maritime
Seatrade Maritime reports that Pole Star Global has emphasized the need for improved persistent tracking methods at sea due to the increasing incidents of Automatic Identification System (AIS) spoofing and GPS jamming. This call for action comes amid a spike in cyberattacks targeting maritime operations.
gCaptain
U.S. forces have boarded the oil tanker Bertha in the Indian Ocean, as part of an intensified campaign against vessels involved in transporting illicit goods, reports gCaptain. This marks the tenth vessel seized or interdicted in the ongoing operation.
Splash247
US naval forces have boarded the tanker Bertha, flagged by the Cook Islands, within the US Indo-Pacific Command Area of Responsibility in the Indian Ocean, as reported by Splash247. The US Department of War stated that the operation was a 'right-of-visit maritime interdiction and boarding' conducted without incident.
gCaptain
Iran is nearing an agreement with China to acquire supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles, as reported by gCaptain. This development comes amid the deployment of a significant U.S. naval presence near the Iranian coast, potentially in preparation for strikes against the Islamic Republic.
Splash247
The European Council has extended the EU's maritime security operation, EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, in the Red Sea until February 28 next year, albeit with a reduced annual budget, as reported by Splash247. This decision underscores the EU's ongoing commitment to ensuring maritime security and regional stability.
gCaptain
The European Union has decided to extend its naval mission, EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, in the Red Sea through February 28, 2027, as reported by gCaptain. Nearly €15 million has been allocated to continue safeguarding commercial shipping in the region.
gCaptain
As reported by gCaptain, a joint operation by the U.S. Coast Guard and Marine special operations team was launched from the USS in December 2025, underscoring the shift in maritime enforcement challenges. While detection capabilities have improved, the main issue now lies in the attribution of maritime activities.
Seatrade Maritime
Seatrade Maritime reports that a reward of EUR500,000 has been offered on LinkedIn for information regarding the location of the tanker Omra, which is allegedly operating under a false flag. The vessel is part of the so-called 'dark fleet', known for avoiding detection.
Splash247
Denmark's maritime authority detained the Iran-flagged container vessel Nora in Danish waters for not being properly registered, as reported by Splash247. LSEG data indicated that the ship was initially sailing under a Comoros flag, but the Comoros registry did not list the vessel.
gCaptain
Russia has announced plans to use its navy to protect merchant tankers involved in its oil trade, as reported by gCaptain. This move, highlighted by Kremlin security official Nikolai Patrushev, signifies an escalation in the enforcement of Western sanctions, potentially leading to confrontations in areas like the Baltic and North Atlantic.
