The International Maritime Organization (IMO), Bangladesh, and Liberia have announced the ratification of the Hong Kong Convention by both nations. BIMCO believes the ratification marks the beginning of a new era for the ship recycling industry. During the two-year interim period, ahead of the entry in force, BIMCO is calling on shipowners to choose globally compliant yards for the benefit of the industry’s workers and the environment.
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.
Building on the success of its widely used GUARDCON contract for the employment of security guards on ships, BIMCO is to develop a new standard contract for hiring the services of security escort vessels (SEV).
BIMCO, ICS, INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO and OCIMF warns that as the dry season approaches and sea conditions abate, an increase in attacks in the Gulf of Guinea has traditionally been seen, so maritime security risks to vessels operating in the Gulf of Guinea require renewed attention.