The three lines also called for other steps to be taken, including creation of an effective regional coast guard and possible transit corridors to East Africa.
Meanwhile most shipowners are reluctant to have guns onboard, with Maersk repeating its opposition to armed personnel on its ships while MSC is reviewing the situation after several piracy incidents.
“We do not have armed guards at the moment but we are considering their use, to protect our crew, the ship and the cargo,” MSC assistant operations manager Pasquale Ferraro said.
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Interesting news. I think what we are seeing here is a consolidation of companies to help alleviate costs for such things as protection of ships. Strength in unity and economy of scale stuff here. So with that said, will we see investments from this trio towards this ‘effective regional coast guard’? And is this coast guard going to be operated by a private company or what?
Or perhaps they are referring to the insurance backed private navy that was discussed earlier? The insurers that Maersk works with is Chubb and Marsh. Could these two insurers be contemplating what JLT has been proposing?
The other story that I attached to this one, is the increase of piracy off the coast of Nigeria. Africa Energy Intelligence is reporting on all of the security company activity there in regards to increased threats to the energy sector. The insurgency (MEND) will get stronger because piracy will soon become a source of income that will only increase the strength and capability of that insurgency. Bottom line is that they are copying what the Somali pirates are doing, and will use that money for their fight against the oil interests and government in that country.
So protecting boats from Nigerian pirates, Jihadist pirates, and Somali pirates is slowly becoming a focus of the companies and those that insure them. Because paying ransoms only makes piracy, terrorism, and land based conflict worse by inadvertently financing those activities. Interesting stuff. –Matt
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Box trio unite in piracy fight
Sep 22, 2010
Maersk Line, CMA CGM and MSC are joining up to draw attention to the continued threat of piracy.
The carriers also intend to swap ideas about how best to tackle the problem, which is likely to worsen as the monsoon season comes to an end.
With no sign that piracy attacks are likely to recede, the three lines are hoping their combined voice will send out a clear message that more needs to be done to safeguard commercial shipping lanes.