Industry update following incident in the Persian Gulf. Credit to: VDWimages / Shutterstock.com West Africa The US Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (US MARAD) has revised its advisory for the Gulf of Guinea ( 2021-002 ). According to Risk Intelligence's Monthly Intelligence Report January 2021, attackers operating off the southern and eastern Niger Delta remain the most significant threat in the Gulf of Guinea. All types of vessels may be targeted, yet successful boardings are more likely on 'low and slow' vessel types such as small bulk carriers or product tankers, general cargo and offshore supply ships or fishing vessels. The dry season in the Niger Delta, which will last roughly until March, allows for operations of small boats offshore and for attacks at significant distances from the coastline (potentially up to 250nm off the coastline in the dry season), including in the EEZs of neighbouring countries. Throughout the Gulf of Guinea, the threat of kidnap-for-ransom attacks is assessed as moderate to high for the coming month, depending on the distance from the Niger Delta coastline where perpetrators have access to the necessary infrastructure to protect hostages from security forces and rival gangs during ransom negotiations. The advisory revision therefore reflects the growing international concern for maritime security in West Africa and more specifically, the Gulf of Guinea. The advisory includes guidance for vessels transiting this area to visit the new Maritime Domain Awareness for Trade-Gulf of Guinea ( MDAT-GoG ) and the NATO Shipping Centre website for additional information on threats and specific recommendations. US flag vessels anchoring, transiting, or operating in this region must comply with their approved Vessel Security Plans. Additionally, the recently issued Best Management Practices - West Africa provides additional guidance and resources for operating in this area. Supplemental information for US Mariners may also be fo