Members are invited to consider the most recent Risk Intelligence reports provided at the annexes as follows:

Annex A – Monthly Report

Annex B – Red Sea Update

Annex C – Northern Black Sea Report

Annex A provides the monthly report, which focuses on recent events in the Indian Ocean, where Somali piracy seems to be once again an increasing threat. While the Indian navy, in particular, has been actively engaged, underlined by the operation to free the hijacked bulk carrier RUEN, which included the detention of 35 perpetrators, one merchant ship remains under pirate control. Several other incidents were also reported in March, underlining the need to closely monitor ongoing developments. The report also covers incidents that took place between March 1 – 31, 2024, in West Africa, the Western Indian Ocean (including the Persian Gulf), and South East Asia.

Annex B provides the most recent report on the situation in the Red Sea, where attacks by Houthi forces continue to threaten merchant ships and seafarers. The Northern Black Sea Report provided at Annex C puts the week’s main incidents into a broader context to highlight current threat levels and potential changes for maritime operations. The report also contains a port status overview and forecast that cover the main concerns going forward.

In accordance with the scope of the agreement between ICS and Risk Intelligence, members are requested not to circulate the report further in its entirety. Members may precis the report or use extracts from

MC(24)44 -Annex A – Monthly Intelligence Report April 2024  

MC(24)44 -Annex B – 2024-04-03 Risk Intelligence – Security Threat Update Red Sea Gulf of Aden

MC(24)44 -Annex C – Risk Intelligence Northern Black Sea – Russia Ports Report_04APR2024