Iran, regional countries responsible for maritime security in region

In reaction to the departure of Japanese destroyer to the Persian Gulf, Iranian Embassy in Japan said that the maritime security should be provided by the countries of the region and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

In a Monday tweet, the Iranian Embassy in Japan reacted to the departure of Japanese destroyer Takanami with some 200 sailors to the Middle East. “The principle position of the Islamic Republic of Iran as one of the historic guards of security in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz is that the presence of foreign forces in the region will not contribute to security and stability,” the statement said.

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Source: en.mehrnews.com

Bahrain’s navy patrolling shipping lanes to ensure safe passage for cargo vessels

BAHRAINI naval forces have been patrolling shipping lanes in the region to ensure safe passage for cargo vessels alongside international partners. The Royal Bahrain Naval Force yesterday drew praises from a senior US naval commander for its operational ability and working with the seven-member International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC), which was launched in November to protect the international merchant community following a string of vessel attacks that have been blamed on Iran.

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Source: gdnonline.com

France kickstarts European mission in the Strait of Hormuz

French destroyer Chevalier Paul, via Wikipedia/Michael Davies

PARIS (Reuters) – France announced on Thursday the beginning of the European Maritime Awareness mission in the Strait of Hormuz (EMASoH), intended to ensure the freedom of navigation in the Gulf while promoting a de-escalation approach with Iran.

The French government has pushed for a European security alternative in the Strait of Hormuz after ruling out taking part in a U.S.-led coalition protecting oil tankers and cargo ships from what Washington says is a threat from Iran.

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Source: reuters.com

UKMTO Advisory Notice 001/JAN/2020

Date: 29th January 2020
Location: 253400N,0550400E

INCIDENT TYPE: SOLAS INCIDENT (VESSEL ON FIRE)

UKMTO has received reports that a vessel is on fire in position 2534N 05504E (21NM North West of SHARJAH)

VESSELS TRANSITING THE AREA ARE ADVISED TO EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION This Advisory is not classified as a Maritime Security Event and has not been verified by UKMTO. This information is provided to inform maritime situational awareness for mariners operating in the region. UKMTO is not responsible for the accuracy of this reporting.

Source: ukmto.org

Better prepared for maritime security incidents

Suriname is the latest country to benefit from IMO maritime security training. Participants at a workshop in Paramaribo, Suriname (7-8 May) took part in table-top contingency planning exercises involving a variety of maritime security issues. These included threats to cruise ships, border security issues involving ports, airports and land border crossing, as well as potential incidents involving proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and arms and drugs consignments.

The main objective of the exercise was to encourage a multi-agency, whole of government approach to maritime and port facility security and related maritime law enforcement issues – with participants working to identify gaps in national procedures or legislation, opportunities for improvement, and further needs for training or technical assistance.

The exercise took place following a request by Suriname to assist the country in strengthening its implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004) – specifically those that fall within the scope of IMO’s SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code and/or the 1988 and 2005 SUA treaties (click for details of these treaties).

The workshop was organised in collaboration with the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC).

Source: imo.org

Saudi Arabia assists Iranian oil tanker in Red Sea, no injuries

RIYADH (Reuters) – Saudi Arabia’s coast guard assisted an Iranian oil tanker with engine trouble off the coast of Jeddah in the Red Sea after Riyadh received a request for help from Iran, the state news agency SPA said on Thursday.

Iran, which confirmed that its vessel had broken down in the area, and Saudi Arabia are arch-adversaries in the Middle East, backing opposite sides in several regional wars.

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Source: reuters.com