FROM 1 January 2023, the boundaries of the high-risk piracy area off the coast of Somalia will no longer exist.
The global maritime industry bodies have decided to declassify the Indian Ocean High Risk Area to reflect the “significantly improved piracy situation in the region”.
No piracy attacks against merchant ships have occurred off Somalia since 2018, according to the International Chamber of Shipping.
The ICS attributed the improvements in the area to concerted counter-piracy efforts by regional and international stakeholders over more than a decade.
Measures enacted to secure the waters by military, political, civil society and shipping industry are also believed to have reduced the threat of piracy in the Indian Ocean.
The ICS along with BIMCO, the International Marine Contractors Association, Intercargo, Intertanko and the Oil Companies International Marine Forum informed the International Maritime Organization of the change in a submission on Monday 22 August.
The HRA IMO submission co-sponsors described the announcement as a testament to nearly 15 years of collaboration to reduce the threat of piracy in the Indian Ocean.
“Through a combination of efforts by military, political, civil society, and the shipping industry over the years, operators and seafarers are now able to operate with increased confidence in these waters,” the co-sponsors said.
“Thanks and gratitude is given to all the seafarers and offshore workers who have served during this time in safely maintaining global trade and operations.”
Although the HRA classification will be lifted, ICS said voyage preparation, threat and risk assessment will still be essential.
“Threat and risk assessments should still be carried out, and best management practices followed to continue to mitigate the risks presented in a changeable and often complex and potentially threatening environment,” the organisations said.
The removal of the HRA will come into effect at 0001 UCT on 1 January 2023 to allow charterers shipowners and operators to adapt to the change.
ICS said BMP5 (best management practices to deter piracy) would continue to provide the necessary guidance for shipping to ensure threat and risk assessments are developed for every voyage to mitigate the risks presented by remaining security threats in the region.
“The shipping industry will continue to monitor and advise on maritime security threats to assist the safe transit of vessels and the seafarers who crew them,” ICS said in a statement.
“Pre-voyage threat and risk assessments should consider the latest maritime security information from organisations supporting the VRA.”
