BIMCO applauds Denmark’s move on combating piracy in GoG

Denmark appointed a Danish Special Representative for Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea in efforts to combat piracy, a move that was applauded by BIMCO.

Specifically, in efforts to assist with the piracy risks in Nigeria, Denmark appointed Danish Special Representative for Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea, Ambassador Jens-Otto Horslund.

The Gulf of Guinea remains a risky area for the shipping industry and mostly seafarers, as the most recent report published by IMB highlighted that the Gulf of Guinea recorded highest ever number of crew kidnappings in 2020

Accordingly, Jakob P. Larsen, BIMCO Head of Maritime Safety & Security explains that the appointed Ambassador will be able to garner broad support for an antipiracy operation as mandated by the UNCLOS convention, i.e. in international waters just outside Nigeria’s 12 nautical mile limit.

Mr Larsen comments that

It is time for the international community to live up to the aspirations of the UNCLOS convention and suppress the piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, which affects seafarers and companies from all over the world. International navies is an indispensable addition to regional efforts such as Nigeria’s newly acquired Deep Blue capabilities which we hope will reach full operational capability soon.

According to BIMCO’s estimation, two helicopter equipped frigates with robust antipiracy mandates, plus one maritime patrol aircraft working from a base ashore, will have a significant deterrent effect on the pirates operating in the Gulf of Guinea.

Overall, piracy in Nigeria remains a challenging issue. A report issued in 2019 revealed that Nigeria lost approximately $2.8 billion during 2018, as a result of crude oil and maritime crimes. Maritime crime, including piracy, dominated in the coast of West Africa and posed a big threat to peace and development in the region.