Columbia Shipmanagement (CSM) has signed a naval cooperation protocol with the French Navy to enhance the security of its managed vessels operating in high-risk areas.
The agreement was signed to strengthen the security of merchant vessels transiting through the South China Sea and the Strait of Singapore Malacca, passing through the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Aden, calling on West African ports and the Gulf of Guinea, or sailing in the Mediterranean.
CSM vessels will now have greater awareness and protection from pirate attacks, hijacking and maritime terrorism.
Moreover, CSM will ensure vessels comply with Best Management Practice while also working in cooperation with the Maritime Information Cooperation and Awareness Centre (MICA), and report any suspicious activities to the MICA Watchkeeper.
It will further contribute to protecting all vessels by reporting to MICA who monitors worldwide security of maritime areas.
Commenting on the signing, Demetris Chrysostomou, Managing Director of CSM for the Asia region / Group Business Development Director, said that it will “ensure the long-term safety of the crew and ships.”
Working with CSM merchant vessels will allow us to gather valuable information and in return will allow us to contribute to greater finesse in the development of our analysis and recommendations in matters of maritime safety to all the shipowners, charterers and operators participating in this protocol
stated Commander Jérémy Bachelier of the French Navy, in charge of the maritime security in South-East Asia Seas (ALPACI).
The agreement went into effect on December 16th and provides additional security to over 250 vessels.
Maritime piracy and armed robbery attacks reached the lowest recorded level since 1994, the annual piracy report of the ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB), reveals.
In 2021, the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre received 132 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships. Incidents include 115 vessels boarded, 11 attempted attacks, five vessels fired upon and one vessel hijacked.
