The Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb, and the Gulf of Aden

The security situation in and around the Red Sea, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden has over the past year been characterised by significant threats to international and Danish shipping. As a result, the National ISPS Coordinating Authority has repeatedly assessed and adjusted the applicable maritime security levels. On 8 January 2024, an updated OXXO notice was issued confirming the maintenance of ISPS MARSEC Levels 2 and 3 for specific areas in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The decision was taken on the basis of an overall assessment of threats, including missiles, drones, piracy, and the unstable situation related to the Houthi movement in Yemen. The document provides clarification of the geographical delineation of the respective MARSEC levels, as well as guidance to Danish ships on vigilance, cooperation with authorities, and the use of security systems during transit in the area.

The National ISPS Coordinating Authority continuously monitors the maritime security situation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Oman.

Due to the current security situation related to the Houthi movement in Yemen, Danish ISPS Coordination Authority reaffirm MARSEC 2 and MARSEC 3 areas already in force in the Southern Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb and the Western Gulf of Aden. MARSEC 2 and 3 areasdefined as following:

In light of the continued tense security situation, the National ISPS Coordinating Authority assesses that MARSEC Level 2 remains necessary for Danish shipping in the following areas:

MARSEC 2: Area south of 19 N parallel in the Red Sea.

MARSEC 3: Area South of the 17 N parallel in the Red Sea through the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb to the 47 E meridian in the Gulf of Aden.

MARSEC 3: inside Yemen territorial waters.

MARSEC 2: Area West of the 51 E meridian in the Gulf of Aden.

Ports in the MARSEC areas mentioned above located outside of Yemen territory are not included in the MARSEC security levels. For local security levels in each individual port, please apply to local as well as international authorities and agencies.

All ships are to consider their Best Management Practice in the area, and transit as far away from the coast of Yemen as possible.

Point of contact: Danish Maritime Assistance Service, mas@sok.dk, +45 72 85 03 71.

The Danish Maritime Assistance Service will forward any inquiries to the relevant Danish authority.

Kontakt

The Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb, and the Gulf of Aden
Ship Survey, Certification and Manning