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

• Annex A – Monthly Report
• Annex B – Red Sea Update
• Annex C – Northern Black Sea Report

The report provided at Annex A focuses on Iran’s extensive use of proxy groups across the Middle East. It is reported that these groups provide a cheap source of influence to balance otherwise somewhat limited capabilities. In the maritime context, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Yemen-based Houthis are by far the most important proxies. An analysis of threats and risks for maritime operations, therefore, has to take their capabilities as well as the broader political context into account. The report also covers incidents that took place between December 1 – 31, 2023, in West Africa, the Western Indian Ocean (including the Persian Gulf), and Southeast Asia.

Annex B provides the most recent update 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 conext 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 it to help advise members on key issues or to assist in enquiries. In such cases, Risk Intelligence should be acknowledged as the source of the information.

Also attached is a joint press release from WSC, BIMCO and ICS expressing their thanks to the 12 nations that have jointly condemned the ongoing illegal attacks on ships in the Red Sea and unlawful detention of vessels and crews there.

MC(24)04 -Annex C – Risk Intelligence Northern Black Sea – Russia Ports Report_04JAN2024

MC(24)04 -Annex B – 2024-01-03 Risk Intelligence – Security Threat Update Red Sea

MC(24)04 -Annex A – Monthly Intelligence Report January 2024

COMMUNICATIONS(24)01 -Annex A – Joint WSC_ BIMCO and ICS statement on Red Sea attackst