Norway maintains highest maritime security levels in Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb
The Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) has maintained ISPS Security Level 3 in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, while extending its Level 2 security area in the Red Sea to waters north of Yanbu.
In two maritime security updates published on 30 October, the authority outlined the continuing risks facing vessels operating in the Middle East and surrounding waters, including military activity, attacks on maritime infrastructure and interference with satellite navigation systems.
The assessments maintain heightened security requirements across several major shipping routes, although the designated levels differ between geographical areas.
Security risks remain elevated around Hormuz
ISPS Security Level 3 remains in force in the Strait of Hormuz, which the NMA identifies as the area most exposed to direct military action amid the conflict between Iran and the United States.
Security Level 2 applies to the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, including waters east of Muscat, as well as the northern Arabian Sea.
According to the authority, commercial vessels operating in the region continue to face risks associated with military operations, attacks and unintended collateral damage. The NMA also warns that significant GNSS/GPS interference, including jamming and spoofing, is affecting navigation across large parts of the region.
Such interference can compromise vessel positioning data and contribute to irregular AIS information and intermittent navigation or communication disruptions.
The authority recommends enhanced risk assessments before port calls and transits, continuous monitoring of the security environment and updated contingency arrangements for the loss of satellite navigation signals.
Red Sea security area extended towards Yanbu
In a separate assessment, the NMA confirmed that ISPS Security Level 3 remains in force in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, where vessels may face threats involving missiles, drones and small boats.
Security Level 2 continues to apply in the southern Red Sea and northern Gulf of Aden. However, the designated Level 2 area has been extended northwards to include waters beyond Yanbu in the northern Red Sea.
The authority attributed the extension to attacks against Saudi maritime infrastructure in the northern Red Sea.
Although the NMA assesses that the current pattern of attacks indicates a lower risk of indiscriminate attacks against international commercial shipping than in previous assessments, it continues to describe the regional security environment as highly volatile.
Shipowners and masters are advised to conduct vessel-specific security assessments, maintain appropriate ship security plans and follow recognised maritime security guidance when operating in the affected areas.
The NMA also recommends reporting to UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and the Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean (MSCIO), alongside continued monitoring of regional threat assessments.
The latest notices maintain the highest security level in both strategic straits while identifying an expanded geographical area requiring heightened precautions in the Red Sea.
