Dryad Global Maritime Security Threat Advisory (MSTA) – 3 March 2025

As global tensions continue to shape the maritime security landscape, this week’s Dryad Global Maritime Security Threat Advisory (MSTA) highlights critical developments affecting commercial shipping worldwide.

From missile strikes in the Black Sea to piracy threats in the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia, here’s what you need to know about emerging risks and ongoing security challenges in key maritime regions.

🚨 Black Sea: Escalating Threats to Commercial Shipping

On 1 March 2025, a Russian ballistic missile struck the port of Odesa, Ukraine, severely damaging the Panama-flagged containership MSC LEVANTE F and injuring two port workers. This attack, attributed to a Russian Iskander missile, continues a pattern of strikes on Ukrainian port infrastructure, aiming to deter European shipping companies from engaging with Ukraine.

🔴 Key Concerns:

• Increased Russian aggression against Ukrainian ports and shipping lanes.

• Ukraine’s suspected use of limpet mines targeting Russian-linked vessels, potentially escalating retaliatory attacks.

• President Zelensky’s firm stance against negotiations and increased Western support could provoke further Russian military responses, heightening risks to maritime operations.

Risk Outlook: Expect more missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian ports, disruptions to Black Sea trade routes, and heightened insurance premiums for vessels operating in the region.

Gulf of Guinea: Declining Piracy but Ongoing Risks

While piracy incidents have declined significantly in the Gulf of Guinea over the past year, the region remains a high-risk area for vessel boardings and robberies. West African naval forces continue to enhance their security efforts, but commercial vessels must maintain vigilance and follow best management practices (BMP-5) to mitigate risks.

Recent Trends:

• No hijackings reported in 2025 so far.

• Robbery and boarding incidents persist, particularly off Nigeria, Togo, and Ghana.

• Collaboration between ECOWAS naval forces is improving regional security measures.

Best Practices:

✔ Maintain proper lookout and ensure vessels are “hard targets” against unauthorized boarding.

✔ Use secure anchorage areas and coordinate with local authorities when transiting high-risk zones.

✔ Stay updated on regional threat advisories from Dryad Global and other security sources.

Southeast Asia: Attacks in the Singapore Strait Continue

A chemical tanker was boarded by robbers in the Singapore Strait this week, with one crew member injured in the altercation. This incident marks a continuation of armed robberies in the region, which remain a persistent threat to commercial shipping.

Hotspot Areas:

• The Singapore Strait sees frequent boardings targeting anchored or slow-moving vessels.

• The Malacca Strait remains an area of concern for theft and armed robbery.

• Indonesia & the Philippines continue to experience occasional piracy-related incidents.

Security Recommendations:

✔ Ensure vessels maintain proper lighting and active surveillance in anchorages.

✔ Keep all doors and access points locked to prevent unauthorized boarding.

✔ Implement crew emergency response drills to react swiftly to incidents.

Other Notable Maritime Security Developments

🔹 Middle East / Red Sea: NATO warships have increased patrols in response to continued Houthi-linked attacks on vessels.

🔹 South China Sea: China’s live-fire drills near Taiwan raise concerns over regional stability and maritime safety.

🔹 Mediterranean: Reports suggest Russian and Chinese surveillance ships have been lingering near NATO territorial waters.

Final Thoughts: What This Means for the Shipping Industry

With heightened risks in the Black Sea, persistent piracy threats in Southeast Asia, and geopolitical instability in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific, maritime security remains a critical concern for global trade. Operators must stay informed, implement robust security protocols, and remain adaptable to emerging threats.

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