Evidence that counter-piracy operations have clearly paid dividends is an announcement that after more than a decade of effective threat-reducing operations, the shipping industry has removed the ‘Indian Ocean High Risk Area’ (HRA).
Notification of its removal from January 1, 2023 has been forwarded to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for the next meeting of the Maritime Safety Committee scheduled to start on October 31.
The move reflects a significantly improved piracy situation in the region, largely due to concerted counter-piracy efforts by many regional and international stakeholders. No piracy attacks against merchant ships have occurred off Somalia since 2018, according to the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS).
The IMO has been informed of the decision made by the ICS, Bimco, International Marine Contractors Association (Imca), INTERCARGO, Intertanko and Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF).
Measures enacted to secure the waters by military, political, civil society, and the shipping industry, as well as Best Management Practices guidance, have reduced the threat of piracy in the Indian Ocean.
The January 1 implementation will allow charterers, shipowners and operators time to adapt to the changed threat from piracy.
Best Management Practices 5 (BMP5) will 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.
“This announcement is testament to nearly 15 years of dedicated 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 IMO said.
