Maritime Advisory – Iran/Israel (24 June 2025)
Overview
The regional threat level remains ELEVATED for vessels operating in or transiting through the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Northern Arabian Sea due to growing geopolitical tensions and a rapidly evolving security environment. The nearly two-week conflict saw tensions significantly escalate between Iran and Israel, with US involvement intensifying the situation. As of 24 June, the impact on shipping operations remains relatively limited and vessel traffic remains largely unaffected – the Strait of Hormuz remains open with maritime traffic flows continuing. These conditions could change quickly and vessels transiting or planning to transit the region in the coming days are advised to assess the security situation prior to entering the area, should be prepared to act on short-notice intelligence, and should ensure that crew are briefed on potential escalation scenarios.
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Maritime Advisory – Iran / Israel (18 June 2025)
Summary
The threat level remains ELEVATED for vessels operating in or transiting through the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Northern Arabian Sea due to the uncertainty within the current environment. The situation in the region is unfolding rapidly and security conditions, including those impacting maritime shipping, could evolve and change quickly with little notice. As of 17 June, the impact on shipping operations in the region remains relatively limited and vessel traffic remains large unaffected – the Strait of Hormuz remains open with maritime traffic flows continuing. These conditions could change quickly and vessels transiting or planning to transit the region in the coming days are advised to assess the security situation prior to entering the area and adjust security protocols accordingly.
Download PDF Report →Incident at Gold Mining Site in Ghana (18 Jan 2025)
On the night of 18 January 2025, a violent incident occurred at the Obuasi gold mining site in Ghana’s Ashanti Region. On 19 January, the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners reported that soldiers had killed nine unarmed people at the AngloGold Ashanti mine, with the army reporting that seven illegal miners had been killed in a firefight. Earlier, Ghana’s armed forces had reported that about 60 illegal miners carrying locally manufactured rifles and other weapons had breached the mine’s security fence at around 11:00 pm (2300 GMT) on Saturday 18 January, adding that they had fired on a military patrol deployed there, which led to a shootout. Ghanian President John Mahama has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident and has called for AngloGold to pay for any medical expenses of those injured in the attack. AngloGold Ashanti has confirmed the incident, stating that seven “illegal miners” were killed. A statement released by the company on Sunday went on to say that “a large group of armed, illegal miners attempted to forcibly gain unauthorized access to mine infrastructure. Authorities mobilized to defend against this attack and to ensure the safety and security of employees and those in the immediate surrounds.”
Download PDF Report →Maritime Incident Summary (26 Jan 2024)
UKMTO has confirmed an attack on a vessel transiting the Gulf of Aden region. On Friday 26 January, an oil tanker caught fire after a missile attack by Houthi militants.
Maritime Update (18 Jan 2024)
On Wednesday 17 January, UKMTO received a report of an attack on a merchant ship 60 nautical miles southeast of the port city of Aden, Yemen, in the middle of the western Gulf of Aden. This latest incident comes as the United States has carried out a number of strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen in recent days. However, Houthi rebels have continued to target merchant shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
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