Loss Prevention Advice
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The ICS Shipping Industry Flag State Performance Table brings together data available in the public domain regarding the performance of flag states in terms of, inter alia, Port State Control records, ratification of international Conventions, and IMO meeting attendance. It is intended to encourage shipowners to maintain a dialogue with their flag administrations to help bring about any improvements that might be necessary in the interests of safety, the environment and decent working conditions.
The ICS Flag State Performance Table provides an invaluable indicator of the performance of individual flag states worldwide. It analyses how the countries included delivering against a number of criteria such as Port State Control (PSC) records, ratification of international maritime Conventions and attendance at IMO meetings.
There is nothing inherently unusual in an international ship registry system in which the owner of a ship may be located in a country other than the State whose flag the ship flies. However, a balance has to be struck between the commercial advantages of selecting a particular flag and the need to discourage the use of flags that do not meet their international obligations.
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Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have threatened new attacks on ships in the Red Sea, amid rising tensions with the U.S. following President Donald Trump’s warning of potential military action over Iran’s crackdown on nationwide protests.
In a short video, the Houthis showed previously released footage of a ship on fire with the ominous caption: “Soon.” While no further details were provided, the group has previously attacked over 100 vessels in the Red Sea, a campaign they said aimed to pressure Israel over its conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
The attacks paused after a ceasefire, but the Houthis have repeatedly warned they could resume if necessary. As reported, the threat comes as the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and accompanying guided missile destroyers move into the region.
Trump has described the deployment as a precautionary measure “just in case” he decides to take action against Iran.
A video to the following link.
According to Martin Kelly, Head of Advisory, EOS Risk Group, in a separate video, Houthi spokesman Brigadier Yahya Saree reinforced the message and affirmed continued Houthi support for Palestine: “With the escalation of possibilities of launching a military strike against Iran, we affirm our position: our dear Yemeni people, with its great people and its faithful leadership, its mujahideen army, and its stand alongside any Arab or Islamic country exposed to Zionist aggression or deciding to confront this aggression in self-defence, or supporting and aiding the mujahideen in the Palestinian resistance. We will not abandon our brothers in the Gaza Strip, and we will not allow this criminal entity, supported by America, to implement its plans in the region”.
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Over the past week, 20-26 January, one CAT 4 incident of armed robbery against ships in Asia.
As informed, on 16 January 2026 at 0600 hours, a bulk carrier anchored in Batangas, Philippines, was targeted in an incident involving unknown perpetrators. The assailants’ number and weapons used were not reported, and the treatment of the crew remains unspecified. The event has been assessed as a Category 4 incident, with unsecured items reported stolen.
Area of concern
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The latest instalment of their Good Catch series, highlighting the importance of effective deck maintenance and heightened awareness, especially around hydraulic equipment.
A crew member seriously injured his knee when he slipped on some oil on an exterior deck. He had to be medically evacuated from the vessel by helicopter and taken to a hospital. The investigation determined that the drain plug in the containment around a hydraulic winch was not in place. Additionally, the drain hole was so heavily corroded that a plug would not fit securely even if it were there.