CMA CMG, MSC and Maersk Line – the world’s three largest container shipping companies – have joined forces to fight piracy in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. They are enforcing Best Management Practices to promote safe sailing in the area where Somali pirates continue to attack and hijack vessels.

“Our first and foremost concern is the safety and security of our crews. Piracy continues to be a problem for the shipping industry and if we want to address it effectively, we as ship owners must cooperate,” CMA CGM, MSC and Maersk Line said in a joint statement.

The companies will exchange information on safety measures and piracy policies and procedures, they will also ensure the issue is raised and addressed with all relevant stakeholders.

“Following the Anti-Piracy Best Management Practice is an important step in preventing hijackings and we fully support the use and further development of the BMP,” CMA CGM, MSC and Maersk Line said.

CMA CGM, MSC and Maersk Line applaud the international community’s efforts to fight the problem of piracy. There is currently a naval presence in the Gulf of Aden and appropriate legal frameworks to ensure pirates are prosecuted and held responsible for their crimes are being put in place. CMA CGM, MSC and Maersk Line have offered their support of these campaigns. In a joint statement they said:

“The root causes of this problem cannot be addressed overnight. Therefore, it is imperative that the naval forces have a strong and dynamic mandate to match the constantly changing situation in the area. It is also vital that the acts of piracy do not go unpunished, which is why appropriate legal frameworks for prosecuting pirates are needed.”

Edited by Ellie Duncan