Owners are being urged to check whether their ships have previous links to Israeli companies after Houthi rebels seized a Ray Car Carriers vessel off Yemen.
The 5,100-ceu Galaxy Leader (built 2002) was intercepted by the Iranian-backed Yemeni group at the weekend because of its ultimate ownership by Israeli Abraham “Rami” Ungar, against the background of Israel’s war in Gaza.
Two other Ray Car Carriers ships aborted Red Sea transits after the incident.
Security company Ambrey said tensions had increased in the Red Sea since the 7 October Hamas attack on Israel.
The Houthis have also launched missiles towards Israel, although no vessels have yet been damaged.
“Several projectiles have been intercepted over the sea and the debris poses a threat to crew members,” Ambrey said.
“The incident displayed a significant increase in the Houthis’ ability to disrupt merchant shipping.”
Ambrey argues that the taking of assets and hostages, Hamas-style, gives the group leverage that physical damage would not.
The sophistication of the operation suggests Iranian involvement is highly likely, the company said.
“Ambrey is aware from highly credible sources that there has been increased Iranian activity prior to this incident both onshore and offshore,” it added.
Shipowners should check whether their ships have been owned or managed by Israeli-affiliated companies within the past year, it advised.
Keep crew movements to a minimum on deck
If so, vessel routes should be reconsidered if they are near Iranian or Yemeni waters.
Owners should also consider electronic signals, including minimising use and information days before entry into the region.
Evasive manoeuvres and propulsion should be tested and crew movements on deck kept to a minimum, Ambrey advised.
