THE Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO), the owners group representing 65 per cent global tonnage, has called for a firmer application of the UN's Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to suppress piracy.
BIMCO the industry itself had to identify security risks and perform appropriate voyage risk assessments, which requires sound intelligence and risk analysis before cargoes can move.
By liaising and communicating with all stakeholders on a regular and well co-ordinated basis, threats can be identified and responded to effectively and in a timely manner, according to London's Tanker Operator.
Piracy will likely remain at the top of BIMCO's list of security priorities. Attacks may have fallen in the Gulf of Aden - not one successful attack since May 2012 - there is no room for complacency, the group warned.
"The situation at sea remains reversible if we lower our guard and at least for now, piracy continues to be a real threat," BIMCO said.
Meanwhile, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) representing 80 per cent of the world's tonnage, has published a paper on the shipping industry's experience of Somali-based piracy from 2007 to 2013.
ICS secretary general Peter Hinchliffe said that "the intention is to identify lessons learned in order to shape future policy responses, wherever in the world they might be needed."
While the situation in the Gulf of Aden has improved, a parallel crisis is now developing in West Africa.
The ICS suggested that the reported incidents of piracy, or hostage taking, should remain a standing item for discussion between transport/shipping and foreign/defence ministries in order to establish an early warning mechanism should future situations develop.
On the diplomatic front, it is vital to bring any emerging problems to the UN Security Council, as soon as possible, particularly with the assistance of those ICS member national associations whose governments holds a seat on the Security Council, as well as via the offices of the IMO secretary general.
PIRACY
18 February 2014 - 23:15
BIMCO urges tough line on piracy, terrorist attacks on the high seas
THE Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO), the owners group representing 65 per cent global tonnage, has called for a firmer application of the UN's Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to suppress piracy.
PIRACY
18 February 2014 - 23:15
BIMCO urges tough line on piracy, terrorist attacks on the high seas
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