On 3/3, the Vietnam Maritime and Inland Waterways Administration reported that 8 Vietnamese vessels, carrying 160 seafarers, are currently operating in the waters of the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. These vessels have received warnings regarding maritime security risks.
The administration urged ship owners, manning companies, and shipping enterprises to update information from authorities and strictly comply with local government warnings. They should also proactively adjust operational plans and consider alternative shipping routes as needed to ensure the safety of vessels and seafarers.
Vessels must implement the highest level of security measures, maintain uninterrupted communication, and ensure their automatic identification system (AIS) operates accurately. They should also be ready to deactivate or adjust AIS as per maritime authority instructions to avoid misidentification risks.
The administration also directed the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) to review and gather information on vessels operating in the region. The MRCC will maintain regular contact with ship owners and manning companies for situation updates.
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A boat of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) moves along the Persian Gulf near a general cargo ship on 29/4/2024. Photo: *Reuters*.
Seafarers and ship owners are encouraged to proactively contact Vietnamese Embassies in Gulf countries or the Vietnam Maritime and Inland Waterways Administration for assistance. The two announced hotline numbers are 0904 67 89 78 and 0945 29 65 95.
Transport and logistics associations are tasked with closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with management agencies to provide timely updates to their members. They are also urged to proactively develop plans to minimize impacts on production, supply chains, and maritime transport activities.
Previously, on 28/2, following US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, the Iranian government warned of a potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This vital maritime route handles about 20% of global oil traffic. The escalating conflict in the Middle East is considered complex, posing potential risks to maritime safety and security in the region.
Doan Loan
