Security Guidance on Diverting Around the Cape of Good Hope to Avoid Suez
Overview
The ongoing blockage of the Suez Canal has resulted in ships diverting south to transit around the Cape of Good Hope, potentially taking them through the High Risk Area. It is noted that whilst the threat of Somalia-based piracy is currently suppressed through a combination of military operations, application of BMP 5 and the presence of armed guards, an increase in maritime traffic through the area may present opportunities for Somali Pirate Groups to attack shipping. The consequences of not adopting effective security measures can be severe.
Noting this threat, shipping companies are reminded of the importance of applying BMP 5 to ensure that the voyage is fully risk assessed and that ships are hardened against the security threats in the region. Similarly, it is recommended that ships rerouting southwards should route north-east of Socotra before turning South and that where possible, should maintain a safe distance from the Somali coastline in accordance with the risk assessment.
Furthermore, it is stressed that all ships in the region should register with MSCHOA and report to UKMTO as outlined in BMP 5, to ensure they are visible to the military assets deployed in the region which can assist in cases of piracy, and to ensure that they will be alerted to any threats or incidents.
BMP 5 and other relevant best practice guidance can be found at:
https://www.maritimeglobalsecurity.org/geography/goa-etc/
The contact details for MSCHOA are:
Tel: 0033 (0) 298 220 220 // 0033 (0) 298 220 170
Fax: 0033 (0) 298 220 171
Email: postmaster@mschoa.org
The contact details for UKMTO are:
Email: watchkeepers@ukmto.org
Emergency Tel: +44 (0)2392 222060
Emergency Tel: +971 5055 23215
General Enquiries: +44 (0)2392 222065
It should be noted that security threats also exist in the Mozambique Channel, and these should also be factored into the risk assessment.
Consideration should also be given to the piracy threat in the Gulf of Guinea, for ships transiting along the Western African Coast. It is strongly recommended that a threat and risk assessment is conducted for such voyages, and that ships apply BMP West Africa to the fullest extent. It is also strongly recommended that all ships travelling along the west coast of Africa register with MDAT GOG:
Email: watchkeepers@mdat-gog.org
Tel: +33 298228888
BMP West Africa can be found at:
https://www.maritimeglobalsecurity.org/geography/gulf-of-guinea/
[ICS], in cooperation with the other members of the Round Table of Shipping Associations and OCIMF will continue to monitor the situation with respect to the piracy threat, in liaison with EUNAVFOR and CMF, and advise members as appropriate.
Feedback or a question about this information?
Posted:
26 March 2021
VPS Bunker Alerts
Veritas Petroleum Services (VPS) publish regular Bunker Alerts based entirely on fuel samples and have kindly permitted BIMCO’s Members to access this information.
The Bunker Alerts are not intended to be an evaluation of overall bunker quality in the port or area concerned, but usually highlight a specific parameter within the fuel which has raised a quality issue.
Latest ice reports for members
Latest piracy reports
Latest industry releasable threats
Related event
SHADE 52 Conference
- Manama,Bahrain
- 16 December, 2024
Jakob P. Larsen, BIMCO’s Head of Maritime Safety & Security, will attend the 52nd SHADE (Shared Awareness and De-confliction) Conference in Bahrain.
Related publication
Industry Standard Software Maintenance of Shipboard Equipment
Proposed industry-wide standard for software maintenance produced by BIMCO and the international association for the marine electronics industry, CIRM (Comit&ea...
ELSEWHERE ON BIMCO
Contracts & Clauses
All of BIMCO's most widely used contracts and clauses as well as advice on managing charters and business partners.
Learn about your cargo
For general guidance and information on cargo-related queries.
BIMCO Publications
Want to buy or download a BIMCO publication? Use the link to get access to the ballast water management guide, the ship master’s security manual and many other publications.
About a new business partner
We can help members check new business partners. We also help to recover millions of USD (undisputed) funds every year.
