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.

The publication is free to download from www.maritimeglobalsecurity.org, which also includes links to other maritime security information useful to mariners. Printed copies of the publication will be available later in the year.

Industry organisations welcomed the publication.

“Due to the regrettable lack of efficient law enforcement especially in Eastern Gulf of Guinea, this consolidated antipiracy guidance is a must-read for seafarers operating within reach of Nigerian pirates.” – Angus Frew, Secretary General & CEO, BIMCO

“It is unacceptable that pirate attacks in the Gulf of Guinea continue to threaten the lives of our seafarers, especially at a time when we are also having to fend off the threat from COVID-19. This publication shows the shipping industry’s firm commitment to the safety and welfare of the men and women who move world trade, and ending the blight of piracy in the region once and for all.” - Guy Platten, Secretary General, ICS

“The safety of seafarers is our top priority. Seafarers need our support and with this publication, supplemented by adequate training, we hope seafarers should feel and be safer. Their feedback would also be much welcome for the industry to improve the offered guidance.” - Dr Kostas G. Gkonis, Secretary General, INTERCARGO

“Insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea continues to blight the lives of seafarers working in the region. This new BMP, tailored specifically for local conditions, provides guidance and advice to mitigate the threat. While it is just one small part of a solution, the key remains in the hands of the region.” – Katharina Stanzel, Managing Director, INTERTANKO

“This publication offers practical mitigation measures to keep seafarers & vessels safe, a must read for all.” - Rob Drysdale, Director, OCIMF.

-Ends-

Notes to editors

1. The organisations which developed the publication are:
   BIMCO, INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO, ICS & OCIMF
2. BIMCO is the world’s largest international shipping association, with around 1,900 members in more than 120 countries. BIMCO’s global membership includes shipowners, operators, managers, brokers, agents and P&I clubs.
3. The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is the principal international trade association for the shipping industry, representing shipowners and operators in all sectors and trades.
   ICS membership comprises national shipowners' associations in Asia, Europe and the Americas whose member shipping companies operate over 80% of the world's merchant tonnage.
   Established in 1921, ICS is concerned with all technical, legal, employment affairs and policy issues that may affect international shipping. It represents shipowners with the various intergovernmental regulatory bodies that impact on shipping, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
   ICS also develops best practices and guidance, including a wide range of publications and free resources that are used by ship operators globally.
4. INTERCARGO, the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (www.intercargo.org), represents the interests of quality dry cargo shipowners,  the dry bulk sector being the largest shipping sector in terms of number of ships and deadweight. INTERCARGO convened for the first time in 1980 in London and has been participating with consultative status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) since 1993. INTERCARGO provides the forum where dry bulk shipowners, managers and operators are informed about, discuss and share concerns on key topics and regulatory challenges, especially in relation to safety, the environment and operational excellence.
5. INTERTANKO is the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners, a forum where the industry meets, policies are discussed and best practices developed. INTERTANKO has been the voice of independent tanker owners since 1970, ensuring that the liquid energy that keeps the world turning is shipped safely, responsibly and competitively.
6. The Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) is a voluntary association of oil companies with an interest in the shipment and terminalling of crude oil, oil products, petrochemicals and gas. OCIMF focuses exclusively on preventing harm to people and the environment by promoting best practice in the design, construction and operation of tankers, barges and offshore vessels and their interfaces with terminals. www.ocimf.org 

For further information please contact

BIMCO
Rasmus Nord Jørgensen, Communications Director: Tel: +45 21690421              
Email:  rnj@bimco.org

ICS
Debra Massey, Elaborate Communications:
Tel +44 (0) 1296 682675
Email: dmassey@elabor8.co.uk