Greece has placed maritime security at the center of its United Nations Security Council presidency for May, Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris announced in a press briefing. Key events include a high-level debate chaired by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and a ministerial session on civilian protection, underscoring Greece’s commitment to international law and global stability.
Tag: Red Sea
Nammos Resort AMAALA, Greece’s iconic beach club brand’s first international venture, will open in Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea in 2025. Located in Triple Bay, the resort blends Mykonian and Hijazi aesthetics with 110 ocean-view rooms, a luxury spa, and exclusive dining, including the boat-accessible Nammos Restaurant on Hijaz Island.
Three Greek oil tankers are taking longer routes around Africa to deliver Russian crude to Asia, bypassing the usual path through Egypt’s Suez Canal and the Red Sea. This unusual detour is likely due to security concerns over Houthi militant attacks on merchant vessels in the region.
The Sindbad submarine sank near Hurghada, Egypt, killing six and injuring nine of its 44 passengers. With 29 rescued, the incident recalls last year’s Sea Story disaster, raising fresh safety concerns in a region prized for its reefs and proximity to Greece.
The UN Security Council has adopted a resolution co-authored by Greece and the United States, addressing the rising security threats in the Red Sea. The resolution condemns Houthi attacks on commercial vessels and oil terminals, stressing the importance of safeguarding this vital maritime route for global trade. It calls for immediate cessation of hostilities, the enforcement of an arms embargo, and the release of the detained *Galaxy Leader* crew. Greece reaffirmed its commitment to maritime security, highlighting its contributions to EU naval operations and urging a comprehensive political solution for Yemen’s stability.
A major environmental disaster was averted after the successful salvage of the Greek-registered tanker MT Sounion, attacked by Houthi militants in the Red Sea. The vessel, carrying 150,000 tonnes of crude oil, was struck by missiles and drones, sparking fears of a catastrophic oil spill. Greek-led efforts and international collaboration ensured the safe removal of the cargo and extinguished the threat.
The Greek Navy frigate Hydra is being deployed for a high-risk mission in the Red…
A Greek-flagged oil tanker that had been on the verge of causing a massive environmental disaster in the Red Sea has been successfully salvaged, according to a security firm.
Operations at Greece’s largest port, Piraeus, are continuing as normal despite the U.S. Defense Department adding its majority owner, COSCO Shipping, to a list of companies allegedly working with the Chinese military, sources told Reuters.
A US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet was mistakenly shot down by friendly fire from the USS Gettysburg in the Red Sea. Both pilots ejected safely, with one sustaining minor injuries. A full investigation is underway to determine the cause of this rare incident.
The CENTAUR, an innovative anti-drone system developed by the Hellenic Aerospace Industry, is currently being constructed and deployed on MEKO frigates. With its successful operational use in the Red Sea against Houthi UAVs, it has proven to be a vital asset in electronic warfare and naval defense, offering significant capabilities at a low cost.
Turkey condemned a Houthi missile attack on a Turkish-owned cargo ship in the Red Sea, vowing to take measures to prevent future incidents. The Panama-flagged Anadolu S was reportedly targeted by multiple missiles. The Houthis claimed the attack was in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
An operation to transfer 150,000 tonnes of crude oil from the Houthi-hit Greek-flagged tanker Sounion is underway in the Port of Suez. The tanker, which has been ablaze for seven weeks following a drone attack by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, is being transferred to the Delta Blue tanker using portable equipment. The operation, which began Thursday, is expected to take three to four weeks and involves a crew aboard the tugboat Aigaion Pelagos. Efforts to secure the ship and mitigate further risks continue after the vessel suffered significant structural damage.
Greece aims to build the strongest Armed Forces in its history by 2030, ensuring unparalleled security for its citizens, according to Defence Minister Nikos Dendias. Key measures include a comprehensive anti-missile defence dome, enhanced naval deterrence in the Aegean, and the deployment of the advanced ‘Kentavros’ anti-drone system on Greek frigates. These initiatives mark a significant modernisation of Greece’s military capabilities.
Greece has assumed naval command of the EU’s Operation ASPIDES, a joint EU-NATO mission in the Red Sea aimed at protecting commercial vessels amid rising security threats. The formal handover ceremony in Djibouti saw Greece’s Defense Minister Nikos Dendias underscore the mission’s significance, highlighting Greece’s commitment to maritime security and international law. Captain Konstantinos Pitykakis of the Hellenic Navy accepted the command on behalf of Greece, taking the lead in ensuring safe passage in this strategic waterway.
Yemen’s Houthi forces launched an unsuccessful attack on a Greek-operated, Liberia-flagged bulk carrier in the Red Sea, missing the target with all three strikes. The incident, occurring amid escalating conflicts in the region, highlights ongoing tensions as the Houthis aim to enforce a naval blockade against Israel in solidarity with Palestinians. Despite the attacks, the vessel, identified as the Motaro, and its crew remained safe, continuing their voyage without harm.
Russia has reportedly provided satellite data to Yemen’s Houthi rebels, helping them target Western ships in the Red Sea with ballistic missiles and drones, according to a Wall Street Journal report. The data, allegedly transmitted via Iranian intermediaries, has escalated Houthi attacks in solidarity with Palestinians amid the Gaza conflict. The U.S., responding to shipping disruptions, has formed a naval coalition and recently deployed B-2 stealth bombers to strike Houthi targets in Yemen.
Greece is set to take command of the EU’s Operation Aspides, a naval mission protecting commercial vessels in the Red Sea from Houthi rebel attacks. Starting November 1, Commodore Konstantinos Pitykakis will lead the operation aboard the Italian destroyer “Andrea Doria,” with Greece contributing the Spetsai frigate. The mission has successfully completed over 260 operations since its launch.
A Greek bulk carrier was struck by a Houthi missile off Yemen but has safely reached the Gulf of Suez. Managed by Modion Maritime, the Minoan Courage sustained damage but reported no injuries among its Filipino crew.
Greek shipping companies are increasingly targeted by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels, with several warning emails causing alarm in the industry. As geopolitical tensions rise in the Middle East, navigation through the Red Sea has become perilous, forcing numerous companies to reroute their vessels via longer routes around Africa.