Security
March 2021
Security Guidance on Diverting Around the Cape of Good Hope to Avoid Suez
The ongoing blockage of the Suez Canal has resulted in ships diverting south to transit around the Cape of Good Hope, potentially taking them through the High Risk Area. It is noted that whilst the threat of Somalia-based piracy is currently suppressed through a combination of military operations, application of BMP 5 and the presence of armed guards, an increase in maritime traffic through the area may present opportunities for Somali Pirate Groups to attack shipping. The consequences of not adopting effective security measures can be severe.
Round Table Shipping Organisations Highlight Key Issues for the Maritime Industry
Leaders of the Round Table of International Shipping Associations - BIMCO, INTERCARGO, International Chamber of Shipping and INTERTANKO - met virtually last week to debate key issues facing the maritime industry today. At the meeting, the associations affirmed the industry’s commitment to universal recognition for seafarers, the decarbonisation of shipping and addressing the threat to shipping from piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
February 2021
BIMCO to develop standard contract for Security Escort Vessel employment
Building on the success of its widely used GUARDCON contract for the employment of security guards on ships, BIMCO is to develop a new standard contract for hiring the services of security escort vessels (SEV).
January 2021
BIMCO push for more cross-industry collaboration
BIMCO has joined the Neptune Declaration on Seafarer Well-being and Crew Change, and was encouraged to see the first publication from the Together in Safety initiative. The initiatives signal the need for increased collaboration in the face of great challenges.
BIMCO welcomes Danish move on navy in Gulf of Guinea
BIMCO welcomes the appointment of a Danish Special Representative for Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea, Ambassador Jens-Otto Horslund.
The International Maritime Bureau publishes 2020 piracy report
The ICC International Maritime Bureau has published its annual piracy report, which details the incidents of piracy and armed robberies in 2020. The Gulf of Guinea saw the highest ever number of crew kidnapped in 2020.
Industry Update Following Incident in Persian Gulf
A Tanker conducting STS Operations in International waters in the Persian Gulf reported a limpet mine attached to the hull of the vessel.
December 2020
Industry publishes new and improved cyber security guidelines
The fourth edition of the industry cyber risk management guidelines, Guidelines on Cyber Security Onboard Ships is now available and lays the foundation for further improvements and refinement of companies’ cyber security risk assessments.
November 2020
Maritime Labour Convention 2018 Amendments enter into force next month!
The 2018 amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended ( MLC,2006) will enter into force on 26 December 2020. BIMCO advises on what these amendments are and how shipowners/ managers/ operators can achieve compliance accordingly.
US to impose tough Port State Control measures on Cyber risk management
United States requires all ships, U.S. flagged ships and foreign flagged ships that call on ports in the U.S, to ensure cyber risk management is appropriately addressed in their safety management system by the company's first annual verification of the Document of compliance after January 1, 2021. Failure to this requirement may result in detention of ship in US port.
