Piracy Simon Bennett Secretary, International Chamber of Shipping Russian Maritime Register Seminar St Petersburg, October 2009

What is ICS? Principal international trade association for shipowners Represents all sectors and trades, 75% of world fleet Membership of national shipowners’ associations from 33 nations

ICS Functions Representation of global shipowners at IMO (and other international regulatory bodies including EU) Representation with industry bodies e.g. IACS Promotion of best industry practice, quality operations, and standard industry publications

Piracy Hot Spots In addition to Somalia/Gulf Aden, we must not forget: Attacks in Niger Delta (West Africa) Attacks in Asia (Malacca Strait/Indonesia) But current focus Somalia

The Piracy Crisis in Somalia Since 2008: Over 250 attacks Over 70 ships hijacked Over 1,200 seafarers taken hostage About US $200 million paid in ransoms

Military Protection Needed for Foreseeable Future Attacks: April – June 2009 Source IMO

Responsibilities of Governments To protect all ships from piracy, regardless of flag or nationality of crew UNCLOS Article 100 ‘All States shall co-operate to fullest possible extent in the repression of piracy on the high seas or in any other place outside the jurisdiction of any State’

Importance of the Media ‘Sirius Star’ ‘Maersk Alabama’

United Nations Action UN Security Council Resolutions UN Contact Group established by UN Security Council, December 2008 Impressive array of governments and navies from major global powers (including Russia)

International Cooperation Egypt CMF Iran MARLO UKMTO CTF 150 KSA Yemen NATO CTF 151 Fr Forces Djibouti EU NAVFOR India Japan Somaliland China Russia Malaysia Puntland TFG Industry IMB AMISOM Kenya WFP ALINDIEN Seychelles Tanzania

Long Term Solutions Answer is not just military protection Pirates must be arrested and prosecuted Ultimate solution (beyond influence of industry) restoring law and order within Somalia

An Evolving Situation… Increase in attacks away from Gulf of Aden and protected ‘transit corridor’ More attacks in Indian Ocean (over 600 miles from coast), also Red Sea Need for more patrol aircraft Need for more focus on ‘mother ships’

Industry Best Management Practices (BMPs) Drawn up with EUNAVFOR – avoidance, deterrence and delay Procedures and plans in advance of transiting region Procedures when passing through areas of risk Steps to be taken if pirates attack or board

Ships Must Register with EU NAVFOR www.mschoa.eu

Industry Opposed to Private Armed Security Guards Likely to escalate dangers for seafarers Legal and insurance problems

Industry Must Publically Appreciate Efforts by Governments and Navies Military protection likely to be needed for many years to come

But We Must Avoid Response Becoming ‘Institutionalised’ New strategic thinking needed Stable government in Somalia could take many years to achieve Current situation unacceptable

Conclusions We must keep politicians engaged to ensure that military protection is sustained We must maintain awareness of the crisis with public at large and media With over 250 hijacked ships and 1,200 hostages to date – new strategy needed

Thank you For more information visit www.marisec.org