jvbq@fastmail.nl – L'Ordre du Temple

Ship security team detonates explosive-laden Houthi drone boat with gunfire

by jvbq@fastmail.nl September 20, 2024September 22, 2024Comments are Disabled

As the Houthi uncrewed surface vessel (USV) steadily approached the Liberian-flagged container ship Pumba in the Red Sea, its security crew fired about two dozen shots in about 14 seconds from their Steyr rifles. Video emerging from that encounter showed after the last of those shots, the USV exploded. The scenario, which took place July 20 in the …

The Most Severe Maritime Security Threats Today

by jvbq@fastmail.nl July 10, 2024July 10, 2024Comments are Disabled

The maritime industry is a cornerstone of the global economy, facilitating the movement of goods, energy resources, and people across vast distances. Yet, this vital sector faces a complex and evolving landscape of security threats that can disrupt trade, endanger lives, and undermine international stability. Understanding these threats is crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies …

The Red Sea Crisis: Disruption and Ripple Effects on Global Trade

by jvbq@fastmail.nl May 25, 2024May 25, 2024Comments are Disabled

The Red Sea, a vital artery connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa, has become a hotspot for instability, impacting global shipping and trade. The ongoing “Red Sea crisis” – a term encompassing heightened security concerns and potential piracy threats – has forced vessels to reroute, causing significant disruptions to global supply chains. This essay explores the …

Iranian Commandos Seize Israeli-Affiliated Ship in Latest Mideast Escalation

by jvbq@fastmail.nl April 16, 2024April 16, 2024Comments are Disabled

Tensions soar as Iran targets Israeli-linked vessel in retaliation for Syria strike. Iranian commandos rappelled from a helicopter onto a container ship with Israeli ties near the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, seizing the vessel in a dramatic escalation of tensions between the two nations. The targeted ship, identified as the MSC Aries, is a …

Red Sea conflict disrupts global supply chains, hitting automakers first

by jvbq@fastmail.nl February 17, 2024Comments are Disabled

Key points The story The recent conflict in the Red Sea has led to attacks on shipping, prompting vessels to avoid the crucial trade route and reroute around Africa. This longer and more expensive journey is disrupting global supply chains and impacting manufacturers reliant on components from Asia. Tesla and Volvo Car have become the …

Rising tensions in the South China Sea: a reef becomes a flashpoint

by jvbq@fastmail.nl February 3, 2024February 3, 2024Comments are Disabled

Satellite images unveiled by Maxar paint a stark picture of escalating tensions in the South China Sea. The images depict Chinese coastguard vessels obstructing access to a Philippine military outpost stationed on Second Thomas Shoal, reigniting fears of conflict in the strategically crucial region. This incident serves as a potent symbol of the simmering territorial …

Istanbul’s Maritime Gateway: A Critical Transit Point for the International Drug Trade

by jvbq@fastmail.nl January 28, 2024January 28, 2024Comments are Disabled

Istanbul, a bustling metropolis nestled at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, has long served as a hub for maritime trade and commerce. This strategic location, along with Turkey’s porous borders and relatively lax enforcement, has also made it a transit point for the international drug trade. The city’s position along the Balkan route, a …

Guide to Maritime Security

by jvbq@fastmail.nl January 26, 2024January 27, 2024No Comments

The maritime industry is one of the largest on the planet, and ensuring operations at sea continue safely takes determined effort. The implementation of maritime security takes both knowledge and vigilance, and is essential to enhance security enforcement without slowing down the timely flow of international commerce. Throughout this article, we’ll cover everything you’ll want …

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Battle of Lepanto (1571)

by jvbq@fastmail.nl January 26, 2024January 26, 2024Comments are Disabled

Battle of Lepanto, (October 7, 1571), naval engagement in the waters off southwestern Greece between the allied Christian forces of the Holy League and the Ottoman Turks during an Ottoman campaign to acquire the Venetian island of Cyprus. The battle marked the first significant victory for a Christian naval force over a Turkish fleet and the climax of the age of galley warfare in the Mediterranean. Venice had attempted to check Ottoman …

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Admiral Jean-Baptiste-Philibert Willaumez (1763-1845)

by jvbq@fastmail.nl January 26, 2024January 26, 2024Comments are Disabled

Naval officer who served notably in the East Indies during the Revolution and later at Saint-Domingue The son of a captain of artillery, Jean-Baptiste-Philibert Willaumez decided on a naval career and initially embarked as a pilot in 1777. After transitioning to serve as a helmsman, he served in the Indies and then on board the …