The U.N. Security Council has requested Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to provide monthly updates on Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, despite Russia’s call to shift focus to Caribbean maritime issues. U.S. officials reaffirmed the importance of monitoring Houthi threats to protect international navigation and maintain global peace and security.
Russia has formally requested the U.S. to cease its pursuit of an oil tanker, previously known as Bella 1, which has been evading American authorities in the Atlantic for two weeks. The vessel, initially from Iran, was allegedly attempting to load oil in Venezuela when it ignored Coast Guard orders.
Ukraine has intensified its maritime offensive, launching a third sea drone attack on the Comoros-flagged Dashan in the Black Sea. This strike targets Russia’s oil trade amid rising tensions, while the Ukrainian Security Service confirmed two previous attacks on other tankers, indicating a coordinated strategy amid ongoing sanctions.
In a landmark move, the Indo-Russian strategic partnership advanced with key MoUs signed between India’s Ministry of Ports and the Russian Transport Ministry. This initiative aims to enhance maritime cooperation and train Indian seafarers for Arctic navigation, reflecting a deepening collaboration in maritime security and interests in polar routes.
The ratification of the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) agreement by the Russian Duma signifies a pivotal advancement in India-Russia defense relations, enhancing maritime collaboration from Chennai to the Arctic. This step reflects India’s broader maritime strategy, addressing regional challenges while expanding operational reach amid complex geopolitical dynamics.
India and Russia are exploring joint production of Arctic-class vessels, aiming to boost maritime cooperation and trade along the International North-South Transport Corridor and the Chennai-Vladivostok route. Russian logistics firms are interested, while India’s shipyards expand capabilities. Talks remain early, as both nations seek a stronger Eurasian transport partnership.
President Vladimir Putin has warned that Russia may target vessels from countries supporting Ukraine if attacks on its tanker fleet continue. Describing Ukrainian military actions as “piracy,” he mentioned potential countermeasures, including intensified strikes on relevant port facilities. Putin cautioned against retaliatory actions, though recent incidents have heightened tensions significantly.
Ahead of President Putin’s December visit to India, Russian and Indian officials are discussing enhanced cooperation in shipbuilding. Russia aims to support India’s shipbuilding industry development, focusing on establishing bases in Mumbai and Chennai and promoting “green shipbuilding.” This partnership seeks to bolster India’s maritime capabilities and reduce foreign dependency.
High-level interagency consultations took place in New Delhi, led by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Nikolai Patrushev, aide to the Russian President. The talks emphasized the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia, covering shipbuilding, port development, and Arctic operations, aiming for enhanced cooperation and long-term prosperity.
A Chinese cargo ship ran aground off Sakhalin Island, prompting high alert in the Nevelsky district. The An Yang 2, carrying fuel oil, diesel fuel, and coal, is stranded in shallow waters. Governor Limarenko emphasized the need for readiness, with rescue efforts delayed by stormy weather. The incident adds to the ongoing territorial dispute in the region.
Russia has declared a state of emergency in Crimea after an oil spill in the Black Sea last month. Workers are clearing contaminated sand and soil, with over 86,000 metric tons removed. The spill involved heavy fuel oil, with cleanup efforts extending to the Kuban region. Environmental groups report deaths of marine animals.
The first Russian-built ice-class LNG carrier, Alexey Kosygin, has started sea trials, signaling Russia’s push to increase its global LNG market share despite US sanctions. The tanker, part of the Arctic LNG 2 fleet, faces challenges due to sanctions. Additional tankers are planned, but construction has been hindered by geopolitical tensions.
A Russian cargo ship, the Ursa Major, sank in the Mediterranean Sea after an engine room explosion. Two crew members are missing. The ship, owned by Oboronlogistika, was en route to Vladivostok with harbor cranes. The cause of the explosion is unknown. The incident raises concerns about Russian cargo ship safety at sea.
The European Union has expanded sanctions against Iran for supporting Russia in the Ukraine conflict. Added to the list are IRISL and Mohammad Reza Khiabani. Sanctions target ports transporting Iranian UAVs and missiles. Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization denies accusations. EU also sanctions Russian shipping companies aiding Iran in supplying weapons.
Chinese heavy-lift ships Ocean 28 and Nan Feng Zhi Xing push through thickening ice on the Northern Sea Route to deliver a power plant to a Russian LNG project. Facing delays due to storms and deteriorating ice conditions, their journey highlights the risks and challenges of Arctic shipping, raising safety concerns.
