Iranian sabre-rattling needs ‘effective power’ and military force to meet legal threshold. Probably

There were 244 transits through the Bab el Mandeb last week, up from 232 the week prior

Marine mutuals not on hook for war risk losses

Satellite imagery suggests heavy damage to the docks in the ports of Hodeidah and Saleef, both previously damaged in air strikes in May

The Houthis have a robust weapons supply chain and there are limited options for interrupting these networks

Traffic through the Bab el Mandeb continues as normal, despite two ships being sunk last week; Average Panama Canal transits per day flat in June versus May with numbers down 14% versus June 2022, prior to drought; Strong car exports from China and continued Suez Canal diversions have helped to keep freight rates and charter rates relatively high

Focus now on health and welfare of surviving crew members

Sorry, shipowners, but underwriters do have the right to decline cover

Shipowners slam underwriter’s reluctance to write business despite accepting annual placement

Insurance status of the Greece-operated bulk carrier sunk by the Houthis remains unclear

Insurance arrangements for Eternity C, a second Greece-owned bulker struck by the Yemeni rebel faction the following day, are unclear