CONCERNS around security and geopolitics intensified at the end of last year, as the Houthis began targeting vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden under the cover of a show of support for Hamas. Adding to the deteriorating situation was the resurgence in Somali piracy as some actors sought to take advantage of the chaos.

Since November we’ve seen nearly 90 incidents related to the Red Sea crisis and multiple piracy incidents, including hijackings in the Somali basin, and an uptick in events that could potentially become piracy attacks.

This is all happening with many naval operations working around the clock to defend merchant shipping and uphold the freedom of navigation.

Significant resources have been deployed in response to the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, yet, transits through the Bab el Mandeb are consistently down 60% on normal volumes and ships are repeatedly coming under fire.

But it’s not just physical protection. For shipping to be able to conduct threat and risks assessments and make security related decisions they need accurate information and insight.

So this week on the Lloyd’s List podcast we ask: can navies protect shipping? 

Joining Lloyd’s List maritime risk analyst are:

• Knut Evensen, Commander, Royal Norwegian Navy, Joint Maritime Information Center 

• Mike Plunkett, senior naval platforms analyst, Janes

• Antonio Martorell Dominguez, Officer, Spanish Navy, shipping adviser and JOC coordinator, EUNAVFOR Atalanta