Global Conflict Reporting

Tag: Maritime

  • U.S. forces seize two tankers, one in the Caribbean and one in the Atlantic.

    By. Scott Jackson

    01/07/2026

    This morning U.S. forces have seized two tankers. The first, the M/T Marinera (formerly the M/T Bella-1) is a tanker that fled from U.S. forces while trying to get to Venezuela late last month. It has been tailed by a U.S. Coast Guard cutter since around December 17th and was taken somewhere between the UK and Iceland. The second ship is the M/V Sophia which was seized in the Caribbean.

    The seizure of the Marinera doesn’t come as a surprise as a number of analysts, experts and people interested in world events followed along as the U.S. moved Special Forces assets to the UK and the ship attempted to evade U.S. forces for several weeks. It has been under near constant surveillance since it fled from US forces while trying to enter Venezuela in December.

    On social media the U.S. European command put out a statement that said “The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro”

    The USCGC Munro is a Legend-Class National Security Cutter.

    USCGC Munro, photo taken from the deck of the Bella-1 several days ago.

    The armed forces in the United Kingdom had a large part to play in the operation including offering basing support to U.S. forces and deploying RFA Tideforce, a Tide-class tanker to the area. 

    RFA Tideforce

    The Marinera is being accused of international sanctions evasion. As UK Defence Secretary John Healey MP said “ This ship, with a nefarious history, is part of a Russian-Iranian axis of sanctions evasion which is fuelling terrorism, conflict, and misery from the Middle East to Ukraine.” 

    Map of the known course of the Marinera since August.

    Specifically the Bella-1 is sanctioned by the U.S. under its counter-Iran sanctions, sanctions attempting to curtail Iran’s efforts of destabilizing the Middle East. 

    Efforts the ship took to change and hide its identity and throw off its pursuers show that the ship is well connected to the international fleet of shadow ships. The ship already had a Russian flag onboard, likely in case of a scenario like this, or from potential cases in the past where it had changed its identity. 

    Two images taken from the Marinera show a little bird helicopter from the 160th Nightstalkers as the US prepared to board the ship.

    The Russian’s had reportedly sent a several warships including a submarine to escort the tanker to Russian waters however they never intervened during the seizure. L

    A statement from the Russian Ministry of Transport.

    As far as the M/V Sophia. All we know is that the U.S. seized the ship as it was trying to leave Venezuelan waters with its transponder off, attempting to conceal its location. The ship is not registered to any state and was said to be conducting “illicit activities” in Caribbean waters. Its reported destination was China.

    I’ve included the video that was shared of the seizure of the M/V Sophia by the U.S.

    If you have any information about this article or any others. Email me at

    GlobalConflictReporting@Proton.me

    Shoutout to my buddy Andy who was emailing me about this situation this morning as I was getting woke up. I was able to be halfway informed before I even knew anything was going on.

  • Images from China show a cargo ship armed with containerized missiles.

    By.Scott Jackson

    12.27.2025

    Several days ago images were released from China showing a glimpse of an idea that was first discussed in World War 2. The images show a standard container ship however on closer inspection it’s revealed that the containers on the ship are housing dozens of vertical launch missile tubes as well as other military equipment turning the ship from a standard hauler into a weapon in disguise.

    Image showing the VLS tubes as well as the decoy launcher and radar.

    The ship’s deck is almost covered with these containerized launchers. After counting I believe it has a total of 60 launchers. From their size I would estimate this is a universal style system capable of launching several types of missiles. Including surface-to-air and land attack. We can also see a bit of what looks like the hydraulic system which can be used to raise the launch tubes out of the containers. 

    The ship is also outfitted with a number of other upgrades like a Type 1130 30mm CIWS (Close-In Weapon System) mounted above a container. This is useful for engaging incoming threats although its short range makes it a last resort. Another container is outfitted with a Type 726 decoy launcher. These decoy launchers can reportedly fire a number of differ types of countermeasures. 

    Image showing the CIWS as well as the decoy launcher and radar.

    The ship comes with several radar systems. One large flat panel AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar (Possibly in the Type 364/ Dragon eye family).

    China isnt the only country to work towards the development of containerized weapons. Iran and the U.S. have both made advancements in this field, although neither has deployed them to my knowledge.

    China has continued to attempt to leverage their civilian maritime tech capabilities for military purposes. This includes converted semi-submersible vessel for launching helicopters, and a ferry to support invasion operations. Weapons hidden in plain sight like this could become a problem in the future as the tech improves, their disguise look more authentic, and their number increase. A fleet of these armed with anti-ship missiles operating in a heavy shipping lane could shut down a country’s trade. Operating as apart of a fleet they could be loaded up with surface-to-air missiles for added fleet air- defense.

    Right now this ship isn’t hard to spot as a military boat. The CIWS isn’t able to be hidden away as it seems to just be bolted to the top of a container. It’s unclear if the radar can be hidden away.

    This is definitely something that’s going to be more of a problem in the future, how close we are to that future, is unclear. Gathering more intel and data on this and other weapons systems remains critical for the U.S. as China pushes towards maritime domination in the pacific and beyond.

  • Russian shadow fleet ships attacked in the Black Sea.

    By. Scott Jackson

    11.29.2025

    Today Ukraine announced that its military had launched attacks on two sanctioned Russian Oil tankers operating in the Black Sea. 

    The ships, identified as the Gambian-flagged Kairos and Virat were empty at the time of the attacks and it is reported they were heading to the Russian city of Novorossiysk, a major port and oil hub for Russia especially in the Black Sea region. 

    Tanker Virat after the attack. Mostly minor damage on this ship.

    During an interview with Turkish broadcaster NTV, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu,the transport and infrastructure minister for Turkey, said the attacks took place within the country’s exclusive economic zone.

    The Russia shadow fleet oil tanker Virat stopped near Turkey after it was attacked by Ukranian sea drones.

    This attack is being reported by Ukraine as a joint operation between the SBU’s 13th Main Directorate of Military Counterintelligence with the Ukrainian Navy. The operation was carried out with Ukrainian “Sea Baby” drones which can travel long distances.

    Video of the events were relesed across social media.

    Russia’s shadow fleet

    Both ships attacked have been under sanctions by the UK and European Union. However these two ships and the many more like them continue to find Russia’s nearly four year long war. They continue to haul Russias crude oil and funnel money to Moscow, fueling Russias economy.

    “The Russian shadow fleet has become almost a tumour on global shipping,” said Elisabeth Braw, a senior fellow with the Atlantic Council’s Transatlantic Security Initiative.

    “The shadow fleet has grown exponentially, and Western governments have tried sanctioning specific vessels … but every time that happens, another vessel enters the shadow fleet.”

    These Russian shadow ships often carry “flags of convenience” often being flagged in places with little knowledge or experience in maritime affairs, places like the Gambia and Cook Islands.

    Ships that’s are sanctioned have no access to western ports and personnel. They are barred from trading from many nations however are still able to find buyers in China and even in Europe. Some European nations still buy Russian gas and oil either directly or through a third party.

    The Russian shadow fleet is made up of as many as a reported 1500 ship as of 2024 highlighting the ineffectiveness of the western sanctions to slow the flow of Russian oil. This is one reason why Ukraine has taken such an interest in targeting Russian oil production choosing instead to attempt to stop it at its source.

  • Iran suspected of hijacking crude oil tanker in Strait of Hormuz.

    M/V Talara

    By.Scott Jackson

    11.14.2025

    This morning(11.14.2025), the Greek owned, Marshall Islands flagged crude oil tanker M/V Talara was ambushed and seized by forces of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corp(IRGC) while transiting the Gulf of Oman. 

    The M/V Talara departed from the port of Ajman in the United Arab Emirates(UAE), for a short trip to Singapore according to the ships AIS data which can be viewed publicly on maritime tracking services. The British maritime risk assessment group Vanguard reported that the ship was surrounded by Three Iranian IRGC fast attack craft while near the strait of Hormuz. Contact with the ship was lost at this time and at 8:22am local time the ship reportedly turned towards the direction of Iran. It’s last signal was around 12:06PM still on a course towards Iran. 

    Iranian fast attack patrol boats.

    At the time of the incident a Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton with the U.S. Navy was present in the strait and was seen circling the area where the incident took place. According to media reports no damage or casualties are reported at this time. 

    Flight tracking data showing the MQ-4C Triton during the incident. This shows us where the ship was seized and turned towards Iran. The drone never went into Iran, interference can sometimes distort a flight path.

    In a statement Columbia shipmanagement, the company who manages the ship said “The vessel, carrying a cargo of high-sulphur gasoil, was transiting the Indian Ocean during its passage from Sharjah, United Arab Emirates to Singapore when contact was lost at around 0822 local time on Friday, 14 November, 2025 approximately 20 nautical miles off the coast of Khor Fakkan, United Arab Emirates.”

    The company said they are working closely with the relevant authorities. They added “The safety of the crew remains our foremost priority,”

    The ship is owned by the Greek Coronis Family Group of Companies. They have yet to release a statement of any kind. 

    Merchant vessels have been advised of the incident and warned to practice caution while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. 

    The ship is believed to be sitting in port somewhere in the Khuran (or Clarence) Strait, a smaller strait inside of the strait of Hormuz. Tomorrow’s satellite imagery should tell us more.

    Khuran (or Clarence) Strait, where the ship is believed to be held.

  • Houthis back to business, sinking two cargo ships in two days. (Video included)

    By.Scott Jackson

    07/10/2025

    Right now 15 sailers are missing and presumed dead after Houthi forces carried out their second attack and subsequent sinking of a cargo ship in the Red Sea this week.

    Image taken of the Eternity C frim 2019.

    The Eternity C, a Greek-owned cargo vessel was attacked on Monday, one day after the attack on the ‘Magic Seas’, showing an increase in the Houthis willingness to attack shipping since the ceasefire with the U.S.

    The attacks main thrust , according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operation, started around 1703 (5:03PM) on Monday. At that time the company security officer reported that the ship had been hit with multiple Rocket propelled grenade rounds and was being approached by multiple small craft. They had been in and out of fights with this group of boats for the past day as they attempted to get through the Red Sea.

    10 minutes after the first UKMTO report Eternity C, reported that the vessel has sustained significant damage and has lost all propulsion. At this point the ship was surrounded and taking continuous fire from the small boats. The boat was completely overrun after that.

    The Europeans unions defensive operation in the region- Operation Aspides, rescued several of the crew of the Eternity C floated in the water for 24 hours before a rescue could be made. The Yemeni Navy also responded to rescue survivors.

    The Houthis claimed responsibility for the assault, releasing several videos. One I’ve included as they are both very similar The ship is filmed as it slowly sinks after being struck with a missile which caused damage to the deck but did not cause the sinking. Holes caused by off screen damage can be seen at the ships water line.

    The U.S. mission in government controlled parts of the Yemen, accused the Houthis of kidnapping many of the survivors of the ship who have yet to be found.

    Update-

    Of the crew, 10 were rescued, 3 were killed and 12 are suspected to have been kidnapped.

  • Houthi’s attack in Red Sea leads to a sunk cargo ship.

    By.Scott Jackson

    07/06/2025

    Several hours ago the M/S ‘Magic Seas‘ a Greek-flagged and Liberian registered cargo carrier traveling through the Red Sea was attacked by multiple Houthie boats who exchanged small arms fire at the ship in an attempt to hijack the vessel. The ships security team returned fire. During the course of the firefight the vessel was struck with an unknown (at the time) projectile which started a fire. The ships crew ultimately had to abandon their ship as its condition became dire.

    Magic Seas set ablaze after an attack carried out by Houthi fighters.

    This is the first attack from the Houthi rebels of Yemen since December of last year. They took credit shortly after the attack occurred,claiming it was in support of Palestinians in the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel.

    When the attack occurred the ship was about nautical miles southwest of the Yemeni port of Hodiedah. The report from the UKMTO says that at 1125 UTC the ahip came under attack from 8 skiffs carrying multiple fighters apiece that opened up with small arms fire and RPG’s, and also attacked with unscrewed drone boats.

    Magic Seas.
    The first update from the UK Maritime Trade Operations informing of the attacks.
    An update from several hours later confirming that the ship was taking on water and the crew was abandoning ship.

    In their statement, published on the Al Ansar Telegram channel, the Houthis claimed that the ship for the profile for ships that should be targeted. They also stated that four navel drones took part in the attack on the Magic Seas. They indicated that two of the drones collided with the port side of the ship which caused the fire.

    Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea started in November 2023, In support of Hamas and their war against Israel in Gaza. Since then dozens of vessels have been attacked, most with Iranian supplied ballistic missiles fired from Yemen. Shipping company’s from most of the worlds nations have all had to weigh the options of a faster trip through the Red Sea and the danger of a Houthi missile attack, or a safer but much longer and more costly trip around the Horn of Africa. In total the Houthis managed to sink two ships- the M/S Tutor and M/S Rubymar and damaged many more. Four mariners have been killed total with many more being held hostage. 

    (By my memory over 30 ships were attack,possibly more.)

    In 2024 the Biden administration started up near daily airstrikes against the Houthis targeting missiles and drone production sites, their launching infrastructure and military infrastructure, radar, and air defense. The changing of the US administration seen a change to the policy against the Houthis with a monthlong campaign of airstrikes being carried out in March.

  • North Korea relaunches Navy destroyer that was damaged at last launching ceremony. (images)

    Image shows North Korean Choi-Hyun class guided missile destroyer on its side after a disastrous first launch.

    By. Scott Jackson

    06/11/2025

    After last months disaster of a launch North Korea seems to have quickly managed to repair their new Choi-Hyun class guided missile destroyer. Images from Maxar show it during its relaunching ceremony.

    Choi-Hyon class destroyer, this time launched now first instead of sideways.
    A look at the road near the shipyard showing bud loads of people coming to watch the launching of the ship.

    The shipyard where the first launch first took place in the city of Chongjin has a rather narrow harbor area blocking ships from being launched bow first, leaving them with only side launching which is a much harder procedure.

    The ship was first launched on may 21st when the accident occurred but was righted by June 2nd after which it was towed to a dry dock in port city of Rajin to the northeast of Chongjin.

    This yet to be publicly named ship is second of its class with two more being planned for the future. North Korea plans to utilize these specific vessels as Anti-Air destroyers however we don’t have a full picture of their capabilities.

    Image of the ship in dry dock.

    The black and white images were taken and released today by the awesome guys over at Maxar. They do amazing things with satellite imagery.

    The ship, as noted by The Warzone article (https://www.twz.com/news-features/new-launch-ceremony-for-north-korean-frigate-that-partially-sunk-appears-to-have-occurred)that came out earlier today, is in amazing condition for a ship that was showing structural damage even earlier this month. How the ship was restored, even superficially, is unknown.

    https://linktr.ee/globalconflictreporting