We would like to bring to your attention an important update concerning maritime activities in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

In light of a recent missile strike on the vessel True Confidence, which sadly resulted in the loss of three crew members, the International Bargaining Forum’s (IBF) Warlike Operations Area Committee (WOAC) convened on March 12th to address the situation.

As of March 19th, and continuing until April 19th, the Warlike Operations Area Committee has designated the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden as ‘Warlike’ zones due to heightened risks of Houthi missile attacks. This designation underscores the significant dangers ships and their crews face in these regions.

Consequently, the IBF has recommended that all charterers, operators, and shipowners reroute their vessels to circumvent this area of increased peril until it is deemed secure against further hostilities.

Please find attached the pertinent circulars for your examination. We strongly encourage all concerned parties to take this advisory seriously and to avoid navigating through these zones to guarantee the well-being of all maritime personnel.

Members may get more information at https://www.imec.org.uk/post/ibf-warlike-operations-seafarers-lives-matter

IBF-List-of-designated-risk-Areas-with-applicable-benefits-as-of-March-2024