IMB Piracy Report 2018: Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships
The UK Club has received the following annual report from the ICC International Maritime Bureau, regarding piracy and armed robbery against vessels throughout the year.
The report shows a notable increase in the number of attacks on vessels in 2018, particularly in the West Africa region. Worldwide, the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre (PRC) recorded a total of 201 incidents of maritime piracy and armed robbery in 2018, up from 180 incidents in 2017.
The Gulf of Guinea remains dangerous for seafarers, particularly waters between the Ivory Coast and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the majority of this year’s attacks took place, including all 6 reported hijackings.
Key statistics from the report:
201 incidents of piracy and armed robbery reported
143 vessels were boarded
6 vessels were hijacked
34 attempted attacks on vessels
18 vessels were fired upon
141 crew members taken hostage
83 kidnappings
8 injuries
Types of vessels attacked:
50 Tankers
59 bulk carriers
18 container vessels
74 other types of vessels
The full IMB report can be read here. If Members have any questions, they should get in touch with their usual club contact.
The International Group, in partnership with shipping industry associations, have launched new maritime security guidance. The Best Management Practices, West Africa is a new addition to the established BMP series and provides threat mitigation guidance on counter-piracy/armed robbery at sea.
BIMCO, ICS, INTERTANKO and INTERCARGO have jointly released an updated version of 'Guidelines for Owners, Operators and Masters for Protection Against Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea Region.' This document now supersedes the previous guidance for the region.
