Sponsored By
Red Sea Crisis

The latest news and commentary on how the conflict in the Middle East is affecting the global maritime industry and shipping markets.

Shipping associations welcome EU Red Sea operation Aspides

Shipping associations have welcomed the European Union’s operation Aspides, a defensive maritime security operation to protect shipping in the Red Sea.

Gary Howard, Middle East correspondent

February 20, 2024

2 Min Read
Frigate Santa Maria crosses the Suez Canal
EUNAVFOR

The Council of the EU announced that the defensive operation will have an initial one year duration and a mandate to protect commercial vessels against attacks at sea by providing situational awareness and accompanying ships in the region. In its announcement, the EU said it would cooperate with "like-minded international partners" but the creation of its own operation signals that the bloc was uncomfortable following the US-led Operation Prosperity Guardian.

The operation will have naval assets from Greece, France, Germany, and Italy, as well as one aerial asset. Headquartered in Greece, it will cover the Baab al-Mandab Strait and the Strait of Hormuz,the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Oman.

“With the launch of EUNAVFOR Aspides, the European Union is responding swiftly to the necessity to restore maritime security and freedom of navigation in a highly strategic maritime corridor,” said Josep Borrell, EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy.

The World Shipping Council (WSC) expressed its gratitude to the EU Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) for the launch of Aspides, and expects the operation to play a key role in defending seafarers and commercial shipping in the region.

“WSC strongly appreciates the commitment of the EU as evidenced by today’s decision to make an important contribution to maritime security alongside other international partners and in cooperation with EUNAVFOR Operation Atalanta,” it said. Atalanta is the bloc’s ongoing counter-piracy operation in 

Related:The Red Sea crisis three months on – no end in sight

The association for container lines called for the reestablishment of sage passage for seafarers and trade in the Red Sea as soon as possible, urging countries and organisations to use all diplomatic and defensive means to protect seafarers and trade.

Secretary General of the European Community Shipowners Assocation took to X to voice his support for operation Aspides, calling it essential to addressing the risks to commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

Underling the ongoing threat in the region, US Central Command said on X that on February 18 two anti-ship ballistic missiles were launched at a UK-owned bulk carrier Rubymar and one hit the vessel. The ship has since been abandoned, and the Houthis have claimed the ship has sunk.

On the same day as the naval operation was announced, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and other shipping associations marked the three month anniversary of the seizing of Galaxy Leader and its crew, issuing a joint call for the immediate release of the ship's 25 crew. "It is abhorrent that seafarers were seized by military forces and that they have been kept from their families and loved ones for too long. All 25 crew members of the Galaxy Leader must be released now,” the signatories said.

Related:Seafarers can refuse to sail through Red Sea, but careful planning needed

About the Author

Gary Howard

Middle East correspondent

Gary Howard is the Middle East Correspondent for Seatrade Maritime News and has written for Seatrade Cruise, Seatrade Maritime Review and was News Editor at Lloyd’s List. Gary’s maritime career started after catching the shipping bug during a research assignment for the offshore industry. Working out of Seatrade's head office in the UK, he also produces and contributes to conference programmes for Seatrade events including CMA Shipping, Seatrade Maritime Logistics Middle East and Marintec. 

Gary’s favourite topics within the maritime industry are decarbonisation and wind-assisted propulsion; he particularly enjoys reporting from industry events.

Conferences & Webinars

Gary Howard regularly moderates at international maritime events. Below you’ll find a list of selected past conferences and webinars.

Get the latest maritime news, analysis and more delivered to your inbox
Join 12,000+ members of the maritime community

You May Also Like