Access the latest Maritime Security Threat Advisory for the week commencing 31st October 2022.

👉 Russia has stated that it will suspend its implementation of the Black Sea Grain Deal “for an indefinite period” effective immediately. They claim that they can no longer “guarantee the safety of civilian ships” transiting the corridor following an alleged Ukrainian attack on its Black Sea fleet in Sevastopol. Traffic along the corridor was suspended on October 30, and there are currently 21 vessels at Ukrainian ports, and 6 vessels outbound Ukraine awaiting entry into the corridor. The JCC will continue to implement the grain deal without Russia’s support, with Russia reportedly continuing dialogue on important issues. 

In the Black Sea, a possible sea mine sighting suspended Ukrainian grain exports for a day. The Joint Coordination Center authorised the dispatch of a tugboat and Search and Rescue Boat to perform a preliminary inspection of the possible mine-like object. If confirmed, this would be the first mine to be sighted within the corridor. 

👉 North and South Korea exchanged warning shots along their disputed western maritime boundary amid heightened tensions over North Korea’s recent weapons tests. South Korea claims that it fired warning shots to repel a North Korean merchant ship that violated the maritime boundary, whilst North Korea accused the South Korean Navy ship of intruding into North Korean waters under the pretext of cracking down on an unidentified ship. In recent weeks, North Korea has carried out a string of weapons tests in  response to what it calls “provocative military drills” conducted by South Korea and the United States. 

👉 In Somalia, at least 100 people have been killed and 300 injured in twin car bombings in Mogadishu after the attack targeted the education ministry and a school at the busy Sobe intersection. Al-Shabaab has been blamed for the bombings. The risk of terrorist attacks beyond port facilities in Mogadishu is SEVERE and should be expected daily.