Security in Red Sea

Context of the crisis

Since November 2023, the Yemeni Houthi rebel group has been carrying out attacks against commercial vessels sailing in the Red Sea. Through these armed actions, the Houthis are undermining the freedom of navigation.

In Resolution 2722 of 10 January 2024, the United Nations Security Council reiterated that the exercise of the rights and freedoms of navigation must be respected and that States have the right to react to these attacks in accordance with international law.

France is therefore assuming its responsibilities and contributing to maritime security in this area in conjunction with its partners, through the deployment of French Navy vessels.

All the latest news on the Red Sea crisis can be found on the website of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

Recommendations to shipowners and shipmanagers

Shipping companies and shipmanagers are invited to be extremely vigilant in their risk analyses prior to any commercial operation involving transit in the Red Sea.

Recommendation no. 1: avoid all transactions with Houthi rebels

They are advised not to engage in any transaction with the organisations behind the attacks, as they (or their leaders) are likely to be targeted by the US (OFAC) or UK sanctions regimes. The Houthist movement is designated as a terrorist group by the United States but not by France, the European Union or the United Kingdom.

Recommendation no. 2: take note of advice from international shipping institutions

The international shipping industry organisations (International chamber of shipping (ICS), BIMCO, INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO, OCIMF, CLIA, IMCA) have:

• updated the guidelines for transit in the Southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (02/2024);
• published guidelines for transit in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Sea (11/2023).

Recommendation no. 3: make yourself known to the national and European military authorities

Shipowners are invited to contact the French MICA Center within the framework of voluntary naval cooperation (CNV).

The French MICA Center and the French Admiral Commander of the Maritime Zone and Maritime Forces of the Indian Ocean (ALINDIEN) have issued specific guidelines detailing operational recommendations for the navigation and safety of ships in the Red Sea.

Shipowners and shipmanagers are also invited to liaise with the Maritime Security Centre - Horn of Africa (MSCHOA), which provides recommendations and receives requests for protection as part of the European military operation "Aspides".