The European shipping industry welcomed the EU’s political commitment to the strengthening of maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea and North-Western Indian Ocean.
In its first set of conclusions the Council welcomes the initial achievements within the framework of the CMP pilot case in the Gulf of Guinea, and extends its implementation by two years.
Building on this positive example, in its second set of conclusions, the Council also decided to launch the implementation of the CMP concept in the North-Western Indian Ocean by establishing a Maritime Area of Interest covering the maritime area from the Strait of Hormuz to the Southern Tropic and from the North of the Red Sea towards the centre of the Indian Ocean.
The implementation of the CMP concept in the North-Western Indian Ocean will complement both the EU’s and EU member states’ activities in the region, while respecting the mandate and chain of command of EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA.
The CMP concept aims to increase the EU’s capacity as a reliable partner and maritime security provider, offering a greater European engagement, ensuring continuous maritime presence and outreach in designated Maritime Areas of Interest as established by the Council, as well as promoting international cooperation and partnership at sea.
ECSA welcomed the extension of the Coordinated Maritime Presence in the Gulf of Guinea until 2024, “as this region remains a dangerous piracy hotspot and a challenging area of operation for vessels and their crews.”
Despite the decrease in overall incident numbers in the past year, recent incidents are a sound reminder of the ongoing threat of piracy. While shipowners continue to play their role to mitigate the risk, government action remains crucial through deployment of adequate naval assets, capacity building and support to the Yaoundé Architecture
ECSA has supported the development of the Coordinated Maritime Presence since its inception and continues to support its application. The Coordinated Maritime Presence in the North-Western Indian Ocean launched by the dedicated Council Conclusions can improve coordination and improve synergies between the EU initiatives in the area and cooperation with regional and international actors.
ECSA further welcomed the recognition by Member States of the importance of Operation ATALANTA and of the role it has played and continues to play for security in the region.
European shipowners also supported the mandate of the Operation as it ensures stability and provides essential support in terms of information sharing and reporting.
The extension of the Coordinated Maritime Presence reiterates the commitment of the EU and the Member States to enhance maritime security in key areas, and in particular in the Gulf of Guinea
said Luisa Puccio, ECSA’s Director for Shipping and Trade Policy.
