Box trio unite in piracy fight

The carriers also intend to swap ideas about how best to tackle the problem, which is likely to worsen as the monsoon season comes to an end.

With no sign that piracy attacks are likely to recede, the three lines are hoping their combined voice will send out a clear message that more needs to be done to safeguard commercial shipping lanes.

Maersk Line, MSC and CMA CGM also said that co-operation would include information exchange on safety measures, piracy policies and procedures as well as co-ordination to ensure the issue is addressed with all relevant stakeholders.

“Piracy continues to be a problem for the shipping industry and if we want to address it effectively, we as shipowners must co-operate,” the trio stated. Other lines will be welcome to join the initiative.

The three lines also called for other steps to be taken, including creation of an effective regional coast guard and possible transit corridors to East Africa.

Meanwhile most shipowners are reluctant to have guns onboard, with Maersk repeating its opposition to armed personnel on its ships while MSC is reviewing the situation after several piracy incidents.

“We do not have armed guards at the moment but we are considering their use, to protect our crew, the ship and the cargo,” MSC assistant operations manager Pasquale Ferraro said.