On January 8, Azerbaijani ships were detained in Eritrean waters, reportedly after departing from Baku in November 2024.

Parvana Imanova, the Press Secretary of the State Maritime and Port Agency (DMPA), stated that on November 7, Caspian Marine Services B.V.'s Azerbaijani branch informed the agency about the detention of three of its ships by Eritrean authorities. Imanova explained, "The Agency immediately informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a working order. In addition, relevant information was submitted to the authorized body of the Eritrean state in the field of maritime transport, as well as to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the Permanent Mission of Eritrea to the ILO, and the Embassy of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in an official letter."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed the situation, stating that the vessels "CMS Pahlevan," "CMS Yigit," and "CMS-3," sailing under the Azerbaijani flag, entered Eritrean waters due to adverse weather conditions during their journey from the Suez Canal to Abu Dhabi, UAE. Despite prior communication with Eritrean port authorities, the ships were detained on grounds of unauthorized entry. The ministry highlighted that 18 Azerbaijani citizens were among the crew members detained on board.

The ministry also conveyed to Eritrean counterparts that the entry into their waters did not contravene international law and issued a formal note emphasizing this point. Efforts are ongoing to resolve the matter, secure the release of the ships and crew, and provide necessary consular and legal assistance.