Members will be aware of the seizure of the Bahamas-flagged vehicle carrier Galaxy Leader on the afternoon of 19 November by Houthi forces in Yemen. The ship was subsequently taken to Hodeidah, where it remains.

Noting the concern that the incident has raised throughout industry, and subsequent media coverage, industry security experts from the Round Table, OCIMF, CLIA, and IMCA have developed transit advice for the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The document provides detailed advice on the threat in the region and considerations on routing, vessel hardening and the use of armed guards, which should be factored into threat and risk assessments for all voyages through the affected waters.

Please find attached, at Annex A, industry advice that Members are invited to consider. If any further advice is needed please connect John Stawpert, at (john.stawpert@ics- shipping.org). The ICS secretariat will continue to monitor the situation closely with other associations, and further advice will be provided as appropriate.

MC(23)111 -Annex A – INTERIM INDUSTRY TRANSIT ADVICE SRS GoA