Best opportunity in years to combat Gulf of Guinea piracy

Historically, piracy attacks in the Gulf of Guinea see a spike during the dry season which normally lasts from October/November to March/April. What is different this year is that Nigeria has launched a comprehensive set of anti-piracy capabilities and at least two international navies will have very capable warships equipped with helicopters on anti-piracy missions in the area too. In parallel with the number of signatories to the Gulf of Guinea Declaration on Suppression of Piracy steadily growing, a rising number of stakeholders are calling for action. The coming of this year’s dry season could potentially be a defining moment, but it is too early to rest on our laurels, says BIMCO’s Head of Maritime Safety & Security, Jakob P. Larsen.

EU, China and the U.S. needs to support counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Guinea – BIMCO

Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea is an unacceptable burden to seafarers and shipping companies. Around 40 ships have been attacked in the Gulf of Guinea in the past 12 months. Most recently, six seafarers were kidnapped from the MSC Mandy, which was on the way to Lagos, Nigeria. BIMCO asks, on behalf of its members, that maritime powers increase their presence and expand their collaboration with local states to curb piracy.

Crude oil tonne miles out of the Gulf of Guinea down 5.9% so far in 2022

Gulf of Guinea crude oil exports have year-to-date contributed 13.7% of VLCC’s tonne miles demand and 16.5% of Suezmaxes. A 13.5% y/y drop in Nigerian year-to-date crude oil output has been the main drain on demand and caused a 5.9% decline in tonne miles. A further decline in Gulf of Guinea exports can be expected from mid-2023 when Nigeria’s Dangote refinery begins operation – requiring a sizeable portion of the country’s crude oil – and possibly add to rate volatility.

Enough talking: five ways to fight piracy in the Gulf of Guinea

New publication offers updated maritime security guidance for mariners operating off West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea

Industry organisations, supported by government and military organisations, have worked together to produce a new publication that will help mariners detect, deter and delay external threats to their safety. Best Management Practices to Enhance Maritime Security for Vessels & Mariners Operating Off the Coast of West Africa including the Gulf of Guinea (BMP WA) consolidates and enhances existing guidance for specific threats in this region.

Nigeria and ICC announce ground-breaking antipiracy forum

In an unprecedented move, Nigeria and the Interregional Coordination Centre for the Implementation of Regional Strategy for Maritime Safety and Security in Central and West Africa (ICC) have announced the formation of a Maritime Collaboration Forum to provide shared awareness and deconfliction of activities in the Gulf of Guinea (GOG-MCF/SHADE). The forum is for all stakeholders, both regional and international.

Guinea, Republic of

Nine pirates convicted in Togo

Piracy convictions spur hopes of strengthened law enforcement efforts and international collaboration in the Gulf of Guinea

Industry’s support for piracy declaration rises to nearly 350 signatures

Steadily increasing support for the Gulf of Guinea Declaration on Suppression of Piracy, combined with Nigeria announcing significant investment to address the ongoing piracy issue in the Gulf of Guinea, raises hope that efforts are on the right track to end piracy in the region and increase safety for seafarers.

SEV-GUARDCON provides “breath of fresh air” for maritime security firms in Gulf of Guinea

BIMCO’s contract for security escort vessels, SEV-GUARDCON, was introduced back in January 2022. Leading maritime security company, Ambrey, shares its views on the contract and how it has saved time and effort in concluding agreements for escort services in West Africa.