Southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden - Intertanko Security Bulletin Loss Prevention Steamship Mutual Published: December 22, 2023 Contact author Download article pdf With thanks to Intertanko, the Club would like to share an update on the situation in the Southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.  Since the last update, attacks persist, with a ship hijacked off Somalia. Since the Red Sea crisis began, there have been 18 attacks on 14 ships, eight hit, and two ships hijacked. As of November 20, coalition forces intercepted 43 drones and missiles. Operation Prosperity Guardian and CTF 153 – Update and recommendations Operation Prosperity Guardian commenced its work on Tuesday 19 December under the umbrella of Combined Task Force 153 (CTF 153) of the Combined Military Force (CMF). CTF 153, a coalition of some 11 nations with the main forces being provided by the US, UK, and France, is tasked with providing security for ships as they pass through the Red Sea, with other nations providing support as needed. In a briefing to industry leaders on 20 December, it is clear that this force will be defensive in its operation and will not be leading strikes against the shore in Yemen. Alongside CTF 153, the Eisenhower battlegroup, centred around a US aircraft carrier, will operate in the Gulf of Aden and the Bataan battle group will operate in the Red Sea.  CTF 153 has advised that the only way the Houthis know a ship’s location for sure is through the ship’s AIS signal. Taking this into account, ships should consider the possibility of the increased targeting threat that exists with the AIS on against the increased risk of collision. Further, the Houthis operate mainly during the day and so consideration should also be given to transit the Bab al Mendab during the hours of darkness. Rerouting Considerations – Insurance and commercial Owners considering their obligation to proceed through a particular route will need to check their contracts for clauses equivalent to CONWARTIME