Channel 16 - Dryad Global

26/07/2024

Why Can’t the U.S. Navy and Its Allies Stop the Houthis?

The global shipping industry faces a deteriorating situation with increasing delays, disruptions, and costs.

Despite continuous efforts by U.S., British, and European navies, the insurgents remain a formidable force, raising concerns about the effectiveness of Western naval power in such conflicts. The U.S. Navy acknowledges this as its toughest combat scenario since World War II.

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25/07/2024

Corey Ranslem CEO Dryad Global explains what could happen to a vessel in the event of a maritime cyber attack. He discusses zero day attacks, the current state of cybersecurity provision in the maritime sector and what ship owners, insurers and crews can do to protect their vessels against cyber attack vectors.
Find out more: https://www.dryadglobal.com/maritime-cyber-security

25/07/2024

Security, privacy and tax: navigating the risks of superyacht ownership

Yacht ownership, particularly among the global elite, comes with significant security considerations. Mike LaCorte of Conflict International underscores that yacht owners face diverse risks, from burglary to piracy, necessitating vigilance even in ostensibly safe waters. Recent geopolitical shifts have further complicated security assessments, rendering previously safe areas potentially hazardous at short notice.

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24/07/2024

Russia has historically focused its naval strategy on continental waters, primarily the northern seas, rather than the .

Its limited presence in the Mediterranean has been maintained through the Fifth Eskadra, established in 1958 to counter U.S. influence in Lebanon and to enable rapid intervention in the Black Sea, as constrained by the Montreux Convention of 1936, which gives Turkey control over the Black Sea's gateway straits.

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23/07/2024

Download Channel 16 - Download Dryad Global's latest advisory on Fires at the Al Hodedah port, Yemen and how the CrowdStrike incident affects maritime.
Get our advisory for the latest detailed analysis: https://hubs.la/Q02HxFFl0

23/07/2024

Is China at War in the South China Sea? Recent incidents in the South China Sea highlight China's aggressive maritime strategy.

These have significant implications for regional stability and the responses of affected nations. On June 19, the BBC reported a confrontation between the China Coast Guard and the Philippine Coast Guard and Navy. Chinese vessels intercepted Philippine ships supplying the Second Thomas Shoal, where the Philippines maintains a presence through the grounded vessel Sierra Madre to assert its claim over the contested area.
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22/07/2024

World Toilet Day, with its impactful slogan, highlighted the plight of billions lacking modern sanitation.

Similarly, amid the plethora of international observances, the Day of the Seafarer stands out, but its significance often gets lost. Despite high-profile endorsements from figures like UN Secretary-General António Guterres and shipping executives, the deeper issues faced by seafarers remain inadequately addressed.

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19/07/2024

The Washington Institute has reported an escalating threat to commercial shipping in the Red Sea, particularly since the onset of the Gaza war and Operation Prosperity Guardian.

The Houthi group, responding to the conflict in Gaza, has intensified its attacks on maritime vessels, posing a significant challenge to the U.S.-led coalition and the European Union Naval Force Aspides, both of which have struggled to mitigate these threats.

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18/07/2024

The Houthi maritime threat remains a dynamic challenge necessitating sustained international naval cooperation and resource allocation. While temporary reductions in attacks provide some respite, the evolving tactics of the Houthis and their potential resupply underscore the need for continued vigilance and enhanced defensive capabilities.

The strategic importance of the Red Sea's maritime routes demands a robust and coordinated response to ensure the safety and stability of international maritime traffic.

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17/07/2024

The Red Sea crisis underscores the broader geopolitical and economic challenges faced by global powers like China. As the conflict continues to disrupt international trade and maritime security, China's strategic decisions will be crucial.

Whether China prioritizes immediate economic interests or takes a more active role in seeking a long-term resolution remains to be seen, especially as tensions between Palestine and Israel continue to influence regional stability.

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17/07/2024

Download Channel 16 - Download Dryad Global's latest advisory on Kenyan Police presence in Haiti and the Russian fleet's activity in the Caribbean.
Get our advisory for the latest detailed analysis: https://hubs.la/Q02GGJHH0

15/07/2024

Lai Ching-te was inaugurated as Taiwan's new president, prompting significant military drills by Beijing around the island three days later.

Lai, known for his pro-independence stance and affiliation with the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), was Beijing's least favored candidate. Despite prior aggressive rhetoric, China's response post-election has been relatively measured.

While Beijing's initial response to Lai's presidency has been restrained, the underlying distrust and strategic considerations suggest that cross-Strait tensions are poised to increase, albeit within a managed framework to avoid war

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12/07/2024

The Houthis Escalate and Expand the War

In early June, the Houthis arrested several United Nations and international NGO employees, accusing them of being part of an “American-Israeli spy cell.”

This action coincided with the Houthis’ first successful drone boat attack on the Greek-owned bulk carrier Tutor off Yemen’s coast. After a temporary lull during Ramadan, Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea have increased. U.S. intelligence suggests renewed Houthi outreach to al-Shabaab in Somalia for weapon transfers, and the group aims to extend its threat to ships as far away as the Mediterranean. These developments indicate the Houthis' strategy to escalate and expand their conflict with the United States.

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11/07/2024

Cabinda to Cape Town: how crime-proof are Africa’s Atlantic shores?

The Atlantic Ocean, historically pivotal for transoceanic trade, remains crucial today, particularly in connecting Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

However, while much attention is focused on piracy and political instability in the Gulf of Guinea and the Indian Ocean, the South Atlantic's strategic importance and rising criminal activities have been largely overlooked. Historically, the North Atlantic garnered more focus due to piracy and slave trading, leaving the South Atlantic's criminal economies under-explored. This neglect persists as international attention remains fixed on the North Atlantic and Western Indian Ocean due to recent piracy and Houthi attacks.

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10/07/2024

China's shadow armada: The unseen power of the maritime militia in the South China Sea

China’s maritime militia, known as the People’s Armed Forces Maritime Militia (PAFMM), is a pivotal yet often overlooked component of Beijing’s strategy to assert its territorial claims in the South China Sea.

The militia's activities have intensified, exemplified by the swarming of Scarborough Shoal by Chinese fishing boats in May 2024. These boats, part of the maritime militia, were deployed not for fishing but to counter a Philippine aid mission, effectively deterring the operation and reinforcing China's control over the disputed territory.

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09/07/2024

The ports of in Spain and Tanger Med in Morocco, situated on opposite sides of the , are experiencing significant strain due to recent disruptions in global shipping routes.

This congestion stems from a reconfiguration of maritime trade networks following increased risks in the Gulf of Aden and the .

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09/07/2024

Download Channel 16 - Dryad Global's latest advisory on continuing tensions in the South China Sea.

Get our advisory for the latest detailed analysis: https://hubs.la/Q02FKrMH0

08/07/2024

In late May, the Indian Navy's (IN) Eastern Fleet concluded a significant operational deployment in the South China Sea, featuring port calls in Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.

This deployment, alongside an Indian Coast Guard ship's earlier visit, underscores India’s growing maritime engagement in Southeast Asia, especially amid the ongoing maritime disputes between China and several ASEAN nations.

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In late May, the Indian Navy's (IN) Eastern Fleet concluded a significant operational deployment in the South China Sea, featuring port calls in Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.

03/07/2024

The Iran-backed Houthi group, operating from Yemen, has significantly disrupted maritime security and international trade in the Red Sea.

This has affected the interests of 65 countries and 29 major energy and shipping companies. According to a recent report by the US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), the Houthis, despite their claims of targeting Israeli-linked ships in retaliation for Israeli actions in Gaza, have frequently attacked civilian vessels with little or no connection to Israel.

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The Iran-backed Houthi group, operating from Yemen, has significantly disrupted maritime security and international trade in the Red Sea.

02/07/2024

The Ukrainian-designed and built Magura V5 unmanned surface drones have significantly disrupted Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.

This has been exemplified by the sinking of the Caesar Kunikov landing ship earlier this year. This night-time assault, involving up to ten high-speed drones, demonstrated the potency and precision of Ukraine's maritime capabilities, inflicting substantial damage with minimal cost.

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The Ukrainian-designed and built Magura V5 unmanned surface drones have significantly disrupted Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.

02/07/2024

Download Channel 16 - Dryad Global's latest advisory on Red Sea uncrewed service vessels, the first reported case VHF harassment compliance, and incidents in the South China Sea.

Get our advisory for the latest detailed analysis: https://hubs.la/Q02DZk6R0

01/07/2024

Tense Waters: Navigating The Challenges Of The South China Sea Disputes

The South China Sea (SCS) Code of Conduct (CoC) is on the brink of completion, promising to address long-standing territorial disputes in this vital maritime region.

The overlapping claims by China, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei, and Taiwan over areas such as the Paracel and Spratly islands have led to persistent tensions and potential military conflicts. The CoC aims to establish stable relationships among these nations and provide a framework for peaceful conflict resolution.

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The South China Sea (SCS) Code of Conduct (CoC) is on the brink of completion, promising to address long-standing territorial disputes in this vital maritime region.

28/06/2024

The Roots of Somalia’s Slow Piracy Resurgence

The situation in Eyl and along Somalia’s coast remains precarious. Addressing local grievances and implementing effective governance measures are essential to curbing the resurgence of piracy and ensuring long-term stability in the region.

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The historic town of Eyl, situated on Somalia’s north-eastern Puntland coast, has a storied past and a troubling present.

27/06/2024

Global shipping supply chains are facing significant disruptions due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, attacks on ships by Houthi militias, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

However, Southeast Asia's waters, particularly the maritime crossroads of the Indo-Pacific, also present notable risks. Historically regarded as among the world’s most dangerous, these waters have seen substantial progress in recent decades, yet criminal threats such as piracy, armed robbery, and terrorism persist.

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Global shipping supply chains are facing significant disruptions due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, attacks on ships by Houthi militias, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

26/06/2024

Recent events have starkly exposed the vulnerabilities in the global maritime order.

Incidents such as the damage to the North Stream 2 pipeline, the severing of undersea cables, disruptions of grain exports, and attacks on shipping underline the contested nature of the oceans in contemporary international affairs. These events underscore a crucial reality: the once-taken-for-granted freedom of the seas, essential for global connectivity and prosperity, is now increasingly challenged by both state and non-state actors.

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Recent events have starkly exposed the vulnerabilities in the global maritime order.

25/06/2024

China's recent imposition of a unilateral four-month fishing ban in the South China Sea, encompassing the West Philippine Sea (WPS), has provoked condemnation from the Philippines.

This ban, effective from May 1 to September 16, is seen as another aggressive act by China, disregarding the Philippines’ sovereignty and international law. Despite the Philippines' 2016 victory at the Permanent Court of Arbitration, China continues to defy this ruling, escalating tensions and threatening regional stability.

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25/06/2024

Download Channel 16 - Dryad Global's latest advisory on on the UN backed mission to Haiti as Kenyan forces head to assist the with combating gang violence.

Other recent incidents include Hezbollah footage release and threat to Cyprus and more on the incidents in the South China Sea.

Get our advisory for the latest detailed analysis: https://hubs.la/Q02D8GVs0

24/06/2024

Earlier this year, the Seychelles Coast Guard vessel, Topaz, was diverted to respond to a Somali pirate attack on a Sri Lankan fishing trawler near the Seychelles exclusive economic zone.

The encounter occurred near Denis Island, where the pirates opened fire on the Topaz. Despite never having faced such direct aggression, the Coast Guard, supported by Seychelles Special Forces, managed to subdue the pirates within six minutes. The pirates were subsequently arrested by the Indian Navy, which also participated in the pursuit.

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21/06/2024

Over the past two decades, Southeast Asia's sea lanes, once notorious for pirate activity, have seen significant improvements in security.

This is thanks to concerted efforts by ASEAN member states, international partners, and the shipping industry. However, despite this progress, the threat of maritime crime persists and could potentially resurface due to emerging trends.

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20/06/2024

Maritime supply chains form a complex, interconnected web essential to the global economy. These global issues are particularly relevant in maritime Asia. The reliance on maritime supply chains for security, development, livelihoods, and prosperity underscores the need for ongoing focus on supply chain resilience amidst evolving geopolitical and environmental challenges.

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