11 March - Update: Current threat level in the Strait of Hormuz
EOS Risk Group have today issued an updated advisory, set out below. With thanks for their permission to publish.
Defer transits to Salalah, Oman, adhere to port guidance if in port following successful Iranian drone strikes
On 11 March, successful drone strikes occurred at the port area in Salalah, Oman. EOS Risk Group has confirmed that a large fuel bunker has been hit in addition to LPG tanks. Fires are ongoing with plumes of smoke being photographed by ships in the vicinity. Vessels were instructed to depart immediately.
Context: The ports of Salalah and Duqm have come under attack previously, with the last attack being reported on 03 March which resulted in damage to a fuel storage tank. Both ports are used as supply bases for the US Navy which is likely the reason why they have been targeted. Iran has previously denied responsibility for these attacks, claiming it is the fault of lower-level rogue commanders. A drone targeting Salalah was also intercepted on 01 March.
EOS Intelligence Assessment: Further drone / missile attacks on ports and civilian infrastructure across the Arabian Peninsula are highly likely in the short term (<1 week). EOS Risk Group has previously assessed the regional energy infrastructure is a key strategic target for Iran, likely to influence regional governments to pressure the US into ending the war. Disruption to oil and gas exports will also have this effect in the medium to long term.
Guidance: All vessels should defer from port calls to Salalah and adhere to port authorities' direction.
ADHERE TO LOCAL AUTHORITY DIRECTIVES
- Ensure non-essential personnel are clear of the upper deck to reduce the risk to life from direct missile hit or collateral damage.
- Review the Ships Security Plan.
- Monitor relevant VHF and other communication channels.
- Regularly inspect all firefighting equipment for immediate readiness.
- Ensure that the emergency fire pump is available unless maintenance is being performed.
- For crew members on board during Red Alert or air raid sirens sounding, they should enter the vessel’s protected space and wait for at least ten minutes.
- The protected space on board should be a stairwell, or compartment with at least two bulk heads and deck heads between it and the external superstructure, and above the waterline.
- For the protected space to fulfil its role in an emergency, it must be regularly maintained and the routes leading to it must be clear.
- Plan the route to the protected area in advance, and make sure it is clear of obstacles and obstructing items to prevent falls and injury.
- Prepare emergency supplies including first aid kit and means of communication.
- If crew are ashore in the port facility, crew should enter the closest public shelter (miklat). Information regarding the location of this can be found via the port agent.
Whilst underway
Preparation
- Ensure firefighting equipment is rigged prior to entering high risk areas.
- Ensure the crew are briefed and emergency drills practiced
- Reduce the number of crew on the weather decks, in positions near the weather decks, or in machinery spaces, to the bare minimum required for safe steaming. Move all the remaining personnel to a sheltered position above the waterline with short access to the upper deck.
Maintain close radar, visual and audio watch
- Commercial radars can detect a fast-moving contact. Research suggests Loitering Munition detection by radar can vary from 2-5km.
- The radar cross section of LM can be small, comparable to some birds. Most commercial radar are configured to ignore the response to avoid clutter. Some radar manufacturers offer software upgrades designed to detect small airborne targets.
- The acoustic signature of the engine used in the most commonly used drones sounds like a motorcycle, enabling audio detection.
- Watch for evidence that the ship is under surveillance. Visual lookout should be all round and continuous.
Actions in the event of drone/missile attack
- On detecting an LM/missile/drone, consider safe manoeuvring such as displacing the ship as quickly as possible from its original track.
- If time and safety conditions permit, consider manoeuvring the ship to reduce any impact on the accommodation block or area where crew may be mustered.
If under missile threat
- Maintain listening watch on radio circuit detailing missile threat information and ship manoeuvring orders (example IMM VHF 16).
- Ensure damage control personnel if embarked are positioned for rapid response to fire and shock damage.”