The ECSA delegation met with the EU NAVFOR’s team to discuss the current state of piracy off the coast of Somalia, also visiting the naval assets participating in Operation Atalanta. EU NAVFOR is committed to deter, prevent, and suppress piracy and also highlight that the Maritime Industry must continue to adhere to BMP measures in order to maximize the safety of the ships and crews whilst transiting the high-risk area.
In addition, EU NAVFOR has, in the past, protected vessels of the World Food Programme (WFP) and African Union Mission Somalia (AMISOM), and monitored acts of illegal fishing.
During the meeting, the European shipowners expressed their support to EU NAVFOR Operation Atalanta and their close cooperation with other international actors.
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The shipping industry will continue to cooperate with the EU NAVFOR team to ensure that Somali-based piracy stays mitigated.
R. Adm. Antonio Martorell Lacave commented
We know for a fact that pirate networks maintain the intent, the means and the capability to deploy and attack merchant vessels. It is up to us – military operations, coalitions and regional states – to uphold deterrence, operate in a flexible and agile manner and keep the seas safe.
Moreover, discussions also focused on the fact that the number of attacks has been decreased, as a result of Best Management Practices along with the combined action of different actors and organisations, notably the states in the region.
In light of the piracy attack mitigation, Flemming Dahl Jensen ECSA’s Maritime Security Working Group Chair noted that Operation Atalanta is a major factor that has contributed to the decrease of piracy attacks.
The European shipowners expressed their support to EU NAVFOR Operation Atalanta and their close cooperation with other international actors.
Concluding, the maritime sector will keep its cooperation with the EU NAVFOR in tackling the Somali-based piracy.
