A general view shows Haifa Port, which is to be sold to India's Adani Ports and local partner Gadot in Haifa, Israel July 24, 2022. REUTERS/Ilan Rosenberg
Maritime security firm Ambrey has raised the alarm over the increasing dangers faced by vessels operating in the Eastern Mediterranean, as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah continue to escalate.
The conflict, which intensified earlier this month with the detonation of thousands of beepers across Lebanon, has since evolved into a series of escalatory airstrikes between Hezbollah and Israel. This has led to a significant increase in maritime security risks, particularly for vessels calling at Israeli and Lebanese ports, according to Ambrey.
Ambrey’s analysis indicates that the port of Haifa is at “heightened risk” and could potentially become a direct target for Hezbollah. Meanwhile, Beirut and other Lebanese ports are assessed to be at “moderate risk,” with the possibility of a naval blockade looming.
The security firm warns that the ongoing Israeli bombing campaign is likely to continue, aiming to disrupt Hezbollah’s offensive and defensive capabilities. “Possible further escalatory Israeli airstrikes or an Israeli ground incursion would highly likely cause direct operations against Haifa port,” Ambrey stated.
Footage emerging online Friday showed a series of what is believed to be Israeli airstrikes against a Hezbollah command center in southern Beirut.
The situation is further complicated by the potential for simultaneous actions from other militant groups. Ambrey notes, “Simultaneous action by Hamas, Houthi, or Iraqi militants place Israel’s remaining ports (Ashdod, Ashkelon, Hadera, Eilat) at continuous risk of collateral damage in singular long-range targeting operations.”
In response to these heightened risks, Ambrey advises all vessels and their onshore personnel to prepare for potential security events by implementing pre-agreed mitigation measures. The firm emphasizes the importance of thorough risk assessments and crisis management preparations for companies operating in the region.
Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.
Join the 109,812 members that receive our newsletter.
Have a news tip? Let us know.
The United States Department of the Treasury has announced new sanctions targeting four entities and three vessels involved in Iran’s petroleum and petrochemical trade, part of ongoing efforts to curtail...
In a significant development for European energy markets, Russian energy giant Gazprom has completed its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) delivery to Italy from its Baltic Sea-based LNG Portovaya facility....
Israel launched strikes against ports and energy infrastructure in Houthi-held parts of Yemen on Thursday and threatened more attacks against the Iran-aligned militant group, which has launched hundreds of missiles at Israel over the past year.
Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 109,812 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.
Essential news coupled with the finest maritime content sourced from across the globe.
Sign Up
Join The Club
