Contships Management has denied reports that its 1,118-teu container ship, Contship Ono (built 2007), was targeted by Houthi forces, following claims made by the militant group on Thursday. The reports, which circulated widely, suggested that the vessel was hit by ballistic missiles and drones while in the Red Sea due to alleged violations of a ban on entering Israeli ports.

However, in an official statement to Xinde Marine News, Angelos Tyrogalas, Chief Operating Officer of Contships Management, clarified that there was no such attack on the Contship Ono. "After thorough verification and direct communication with the vessel, there was no attack on the Contship Ono. The vessel and its crew are safe, and no incident has affected its operations," Tyrogalas confirmed.

This denial comes after the Houthi armed forces claimed responsibility for the alleged attack, stating that it was a response to the ship's supposed breach of the ban. The group's official statement, as translated from Arabic, asserted that the hit was "accurate" and that the ship had been targeted because of its owner's activities related to Israel. Despite these claims, tracking data from VesselsValue showed the Contship Ono was docked safely in Saudi Arabia’s port of Jeddah at the time of the alleged incident.

Contships Management's swift response to these reports underscores their commitment to transparency and the safety of their crew. "We appreciate your vigilance and concern for the safety and well-being of our crew members," Tyrogalas added, expressing gratitude for the support shown during this time of confusion and concern.

The broader context of the incident reveals heightened tensions in the region, with other attacks and threats reported on the same day. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) had earlier confirmed an explosion near the Delta Blue, a 158,000-dwt suezmax tanker owned by Delta Tankers, while it was navigating 45 nautical miles south of Mocha, Yemen. The explosion, believed to have been caused by a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG), was reportedly fired from one of two small boats that approached the vessel. Fortunately, the Delta Blue and its crew were unharmed, and the vessel continues on its voyage.

Meanwhile, the Houthi forces also claimed to have targeted two American destroyers, the USS Cole and USS Laboon, with drones and ballistic missiles. However, the US Central Command reported that these attacks were thwarted, with military forces destroying the drones, a ground-control station, and several anti-ship cruise missiles in Houthi-controlled regions of Yemen. The US Central Command condemned the "reckless and dangerous behavior" of the Iranian-backed Houthi group, warning that such actions continue to threaten regional stability and security.

This incident marks a continuation of the ongoing conflict in the region, which has seen sporadic attacks on commercial shipping. The most recent attack before these claims was on 3 August, when the 2,500-teu Groton (built 2002) was fired upon in multiple assaults. The Groton is part of the fleet managed by Conbulk Shipmanagement and is currently chartered to CMA CGM.

As the situation continues to develop, Contships Management remains vigilant, ensuring the safety of their vessels and crew. 

For now, the Contship Ono continues its operations without interruption, safely left port of Jeddah.

 Source:Xinde Marine News Chen Yang