Major Container Shippers Team Up to Fight Piracy

The world’s three largest container shipping companies are teaming up to fight against piracy in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. A cooperative effort between CMA CGM, MSC and Maersk Line will include information exchange on safety measures, piracy policies and procedures as well as coordination to ensure the issue is addressed with all relevant stakeholders.

“Our first and foremost concern is the safety and security of our crews. Piracy continues to be a problem for the shipping industry and if we want to address it effectively, we as ship owners must cooperate,” CMA CGM, MSC and Maersk Line said in a joint statement.

CMA CGM, MSC and Maersk Line agree on the importance of the Best Management Practices for safe sailing in the area where the Somali pirates continue to attack and hijack vessels.

“Following the Anti-Piracy Best Management Practice is an important step in preventing hijackings and we fully support the use and further development of the BMP,” CMA CGM, MSC and Maersk Line said. “The root causes of this problem cannot be addressed overnight. Therefore, it is imperative that the naval forces have a strong and dynamic mandate to match the constantly changing situation in the area. It is also vital that the acts of piracy do not go unpunished, which is why appropriate legal frameworks for prosecuting pirates are needed.”

CMA CGM, MSC and Maersk Line also support proposals for regional capacity building to address the issue such as a regional coast guard and possible transit corridors to East Africa.