Industry concerns have been raised that pirates in West Africa, who have seen shipping trade shifting from the Al-Mandeb strait to around the Cape, could also refocus their operations into the Gulf of Guinea, says an article published on sea trade maritime website.
Summary
- There is a shift in shipping routes from the Suez Canal to circumventing the Cape of Good Hope, leading to concerns about potential relocation of piracy operations in the Gulf of Guinea.
- Approximately 60% of commercial vessels, previously traversing the Suez Canal, now navigate around southern Africa, exposing them to piracy risks along the west coast of the continent.
- Security risk assessment firm, Dryad Global, acknowledges a low to moderate risk in the Gulf of Guinea but raises apprehensions about pirates seizing the opportunity to raid vessels carrying billions of dollars’ worth of goods to and from Europe.
- The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary General, Arsenio Dominguez, reveals ongoing industry discussions on how to prepare for potential pirate activities in the Gulf of Guinea.
Industry Worries Shift From Suez To Gulf Of Guinea
Amidst a notable shift in shipping routes from the Suez Canal to circumventing the Cape of Good Hope, concerns arise about the potential relocation of piracy operations in the Gulf of Guinea. Approximately 60% of commercial vessels, previously traversing the Suez Canal, now navigate around southern Africa, exposing them to piracy risks along the west coast of the continent.
Risks And Industry Response
Security risk assessment firm, Dryad Global, acknowledges a low to moderate risk in the Gulf of Guinea but raises apprehensions about pirates seizing the opportunity to raid vessels carrying billions of dollars’ worth of goods to and from Europe.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary General, Arsenio Dominguez, reveals ongoing industry discussions on how to prepare for potential pirate activities in the Gulf of Guinea, emphasizing the need for proactive measures.
Red Sea Challenges And IMO’s Focus
Dominguez addresses the escalating challenges in the Red Sea, marked by missile and drone attacks on commercial vessels. The recent incident involving the CMA CGM vessel Koi prompts condemnation, with Dominguez stressing the importance of de-escalation for crew and trade protection.
The IMO’s primary focus remains the humanitarian crisis faced by seafarers, emphasizing the innocence of crew members in these situations.
Negotiations And Crew Safety
Ongoing negotiations for the release of crews from vessels such as the Galaxy Leader, held by Houthi military in a Yemeni port, and the Ruen, detained by Somali pirates off the east African coast, highlight the complex challenges faced by seafarers.
Dominguez underscores the vulnerability of crew members doing their job and emphasizes the IMO’s commitment to prioritizing crew and ship safety.
Long-Term Implications And Solutions
Acknowledging the need for solutions, Dominguez draws parallels with past crises like the financial downturn in 2008 and the COVID-19 pandemic. While expressing optimism about returning to normalcy, he acknowledges that the repercussions of the current challenges will persist until effective solutions are found.
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Source: sea trade maritime
