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BIMCO welcomes updated IMO Compendium to advance electronic data
Standardising and harmonising electronic ship to shore communication for reporting purposes was high on the agenda at the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) virtual Facilitation Committee (FAL) meeting held from 1-7 June 2021 (FAL 45).
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Shipping industry welcomes Nigeria’s creation of “Deep Blue” to stamp out piracy in the Gulf of Guinea
The Round Table of Shipowner Associations and OCIMF have expressed their full support for the launch of Nigeria’s Deep Blue Project.
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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.
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Ships are advised to take extra precaution when anchoring in Malaysian waters
During a 10-day operation called “Jangkar Haram”, Malaysia clamped down on illegal anchoring in its waters. The ships involved have either been warned and ordered to leave or detained and fined. BIMCO recommends Masters to take extra precaution and obtain prior permission from relevant authorities before anchoring.
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Lloyd’s Market Association advices underwriters of poised situation in Ukraine
Russia’s announcement that it will close access to the Kerch Strait which connect the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov has triggered a reaction within the London insurance market.
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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.
Security
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Piracy reports
The Worldwide Threat to Shipping Report covers 30 days of analysis, reports and information to ensure ships and ship operators are aware of current and emerging security threats. The Weekly Piracy Update Report is a weekly overview of recent security incidents. Both reports are issued by US Office of Naval Intelligence (US ONI).
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The Gulf of Guinea Declaration on Suppression of Piracy
In response to growing concerns and increasing attacks in the region, a taskforce of stakeholders from across the shipping industry drafted the Gulf of Guinea declaration on the Suppression of Piracy.
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War risks - Hull insurance against war, piracy, terrorism and related perils
Normally referred to as war risk insurance, this type of insurance is an add-on to the normal hull and machinery insurance. The concept consists of a list of areas for which the insurer assesses that the risks to the ship’s hull are elevated, and for which an added premium will have to be paid.
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Cyber compliance in the crosshairs
The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) latest resolution offers a much-needed path to help prepare for cyber attacks, which are seen as increasingly likely in this digital age. Since January, shipowners and operators have been obliged to assess and prepare for cyber threats to comply with the new resolution.
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Industry releasable threat assessments & bulletins
Industry Releasable Threat Assessments (IRTAs) and Industry Releasable Threat Bulletins (IRTBs) are prepared for industry by Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) and EUNAVFOR and are a valuable tool for assessing current threats, and it should be utilised for voyage risk assessments prior to transiting in these regions. Both IRTAs and IRTBs are restricted for members' information only, and is not to be distributed further.
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Customs -Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT)
Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) is but one layer in U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) multi-layered cargo enforcement strategy. Through this program, CBP works with the trade community to strengthen international supply chains and improve United States border security.
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BMP West Africa
Best Management Practises to Deter Piracy and Enhance Maritime Security off the Coast of West Africa including the Gulf of Guinea.
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Enough talking: five ways to fight piracy in the Gulf of Guinea
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Do you know what’s on board your ship? Probably not.
Cocaine, illegal timber, arms, cash, chemical weapons…and sea horses. Rarely are the crew, shipowner, operator or importer aware that their ships and containers are abused and used for illegal transport, and rarely is the crew on board involved.
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ATP-02.1 Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS)
The purpose of the guide is to provide merchant shipping with information about interaction between naval forces and merchant ships, and the publication is recommended reading for company security officers.
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