Piracy hasn't gone away
This intractable problem calls for joint efforts by regional governments, coordination among enforcement agencies and the industry, and information-sharing on best practices
THERE have been unwelcome reminders recently that piracy is still a real threat to shipping in several regions of the world, including South-east Asia.
Last week's hijacking of a bunker tanker with eight crew on board by Somali pirates came as a shock to the international shipping industry. The attack on the Aris 13, off Puntland, Somalia, prompted International Maritime Organization (IMO) secretary-general Kitack Lim to urge the industry to apply IMO guidance and best-management practices to avert possible piracy attacks.
He said: "While we have seen a very welcome decline in piracy off Somalia since the last reported hijack by Somali pirates in 2012, the reality is that piracy off the coast of Somalia has not been eradicated and the underlying conditions have not changed.
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