Round Table Calls for Action on Piracy

Published Nov 9, 2005 12:01 AM by The Maritime Executive

The International Chamber of Shipping has called for more international action against pirates.

Writing to IMO Secretary General Efthimios Mitropoulos on behalf of the Round Table of International Shipping Associations (BIMCO, ICS/ISF, Intercargo, Intertanko), Mr. Horrocks, the ICS spokesperson, said the concerns of the global shipping industry over the increasing violent attacks against ships and crews off the coast of Somalia were given further credence in the wake of the attack on the Carnival Cruise's vessel over the weekend.

He wrote: "The growing threat to the safety of ships on the high seas must be addressed at the highest diplomatic levels. While the principal concern is for the safety of our seafarers and passengers, the attacks against shipping off Somalia have direct implications for the security of the world's transport supply chain."

"In connection with the successful implementation of the International Ship Port Security Code (ISPS), it is the obligation of governments to take every possible step to protect international shipping from piracy on the high seas," Horrocks said.

He concluded: "While steps have been taken to resolve piracy in the Straits of Malacca in South East Asia, the situation is deteriorating in Somalia waters. The IMO must address this problem with the international community, which might include the use of naval forces to protect merchant vessels in the area."