Loss Prevention Advice
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The three key developments shaping maritime security, with new threats emerging across strategic waterways from the Gulf of Aden to the Arabian Sea.
Gulf of Aden: Houthis sustain missile threats despite international strikes
On 29 September 2025, the Dutch-flagged MV Minervagracht was struck by an anti-ship cruise missile while transiting the Gulf of Aden — the latest in a series of Houthi attacks targeting commercial shipping. The strike is believed to have involved a Mandab-2 missile launched from Al Bayda Province in Yemen, a system derived from Iranian and Chinese designs and part of a growing Houthi arsenal supplied via complex smuggling networks.
Despite U.S. and Israeli airstrikes targeting Houthi missile infrastructure and supply routes throughout 2025, including key operations at Ras Isa and Hodeidah, the group has maintained the capability to threaten the Maritime Security Transit Corridor.
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Annual Overview of Marine Casualties and Incidents 2025, which presents statistics of marine casualties and incidents that cover the period from 1st of January 2015 to 31st of December 2024 reported by the EU member states.
In 2024, most of the indicators, such as the number of occurrences, ships lost, fatalities or injuries, are near or below the average values for the entire period from 2015 to 2024. In 2024, 2,659 marine casualties and incidents were reported which represent a decrease of 50 compared to 2023 and an increase of 24 compared to 2022.
Furthermore, the total number of marine casualties and incidents reported from 2015 to 2024 was 26,751 with an annual average of 2,675. The annual average of marine casualties and incidents from 2015 to 2024 was equal to the pre-pandemic average from 2015 to 2019. The number of casualties and incidents in 2024 was 0.6% lower than the annual average in the analysed period.
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On rising risks associated with scrap metal cargoes, particularly from East Coast USA and Ghent, highlighting the need for strict vigilance.
Scrap cargo: Follow the code
‘SCRAP METAL’ is a bulk cargo shipping name (BCSN) found in the IMSBC Code. It is a Group C cargo but it must not contain fine metal turnings known as ‘swarf’. If it does contain swarf, then it would likely fall under the schedule ‘FERROUS METAL BORINGS, SHAVINGS, TURNINGS or CUTTINGS UN 2793’, which is a Group B cargo.
Weather
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Rising risks associated with scrap metal cargoes, particularly from East Coast USA and Ghent, highlighting the need for strict vigilance.
Scrap cargo: Follow the code
The ‘SCRAP METAL’ is a bulk cargo shipping name (BCSN) found in the IMSBC Code. It is a Group C cargo but it must not contain fine metal turnings known as ‘swarf’. If it does contain swarf, then it would likely fall under the schedule ‘FERROUS METAL BORINGS, SHAVINGS, TURNINGS or CUTTINGS UN 2793’, which is a Group B cargo.
Weather
The IMSBC Code clearly states that scrap metal should be kept as dry as practicable before loading and not loaded in the rain. The main reason for this is that when scrap metal is wet it will accelerate the oxidisation process. As oxidation is an exothermic reaction (generating heat).