Asian shipowners say the Best Management Practices version 4 (BMP4) for protection against piracy needs updated in light of the changes to the threat faced by shipping in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa region.
The Asian Shipowners Association (ASA) Safe Navigation & Environment Committee (SNEC) noted that the piracy situation of East Africa and had stabilised with a mix of naval deployments, use of private armed security and widespread adoption of BMP4.
“The situation in the region has grown increasingly complex, however, with increasing geo-political tensions, particularly in Yemen, and an increased risk from other threats such as terrorism,” SNEC said following its 33rd interim meeting in Singapore on Tuesday.
“In this regard, the committee is of the opinion that it may be timely for industry to update BMP4 to reflect the current situation in the region so as to ensure that our seafarers have access to the most relevant and up-to-date information.”
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