Almost 100 carriers, organisations and flag states have come together to release a joint statement to reduce the number of piracy attacks in the Gulf of Guinea.
The declaration is being coordinated by international shipping company organisation BIMCO and Danish Shipping. Co-signatories include A.P. Møller-Maersk, CMA CGM and Hapag-Lloyd.
According to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), a total of 130 kidnappings were recorded in 2020, the highest number the IMB has ever seen in this area.
The attacks are prevalent in the area south of Nigeria, and although coastal states must be part of the long-term solution, the involvement of the international community is essential to contribute to security now, according to Danish Shipping.
BIMCO estimates that two frigates with helicopters and one aircraft can ensure the necessary patrolling.
Anne H. Steffensen, CEO of Danish Shipping said: 'Whether you represent a shipping company, are a customer, an authority or anything else connected with shipping in the Gulf of Guinea, I would encourage you to support this declaration. We must create the greatest possible awareness of the problems in the Gulf of Guinea in order to create the greatest possible safety for our seafarers. We owe it to them.'
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