Members may be aware of recent communications from the Houthis, duplicated at Annex A, that the campaign against non-Israeli ships is halted following the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

An assessment by Risk Intelligence on the ongoing situation is provided at Annex B. In light of the communication, the Joint Maritime Information Centre (JMIC) has provided the following assessment:-

“JMIC assesses that while a peace agreement is progressing and a statement by
the Houthis claim that only “Israeli owned/flagged companies will remain
targeted”, maritime industry should remain resilient in maritime security
and risk mitigation efforts.

Houthi attacks towards U.S. and allied partners in the Red Sea and Gulf of
Aden continue to pose a risk to commercial maritime assets. Threats to
vessels which have an association to U.S., UK, or Israel remain high.
Advanced risk mitigation measures, vigilant watch standing and reporting of
anomalous activity remain critical.”

Members are invited to consider the guidance and disseminate it as appropriate. It remains strongly advised that any voyages in the affected region should continue to be thoroughly threat and risk assessed, in accordance with industry and military guidance.

The ICS Secretariat will continue to monitor the situation and provide further guidance where possible.

Any further questions with respect to the security situation in the region should be directed to the John Stawpert, Senior Manager, at (john.stawpert@ics-shipping.org).

MC(25)13 – Annex A – Houthis Ban Lift Message

MC(25)13 – Annex B – 2025-01-20 Risk Intelligence – Client Notice Red Sea