Industry associations have released an interactive guidance publication to help all vessels plan voyages and to detect, avoid, deter, delay and report attacks and incidents wherever they occur. The Best Management Practices (BMP) for Maritime Security (MS) consolidates regional publications into a single, comprehensive publication with actionable insights and advice.

The industry associations involved are the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO), International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA), International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO), International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO) and Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF). They are supported by over forty maritime stakeholders.

As an interactive online publication, BMP Maritime Security focuses on providing a threat and risk management process and, recognising the dynamic nature of regional security situations, provides signposts to direct users to the most up-to-date security intelligence and risk assessment information. BMP MS is now available to view on the industry website https://www.maritimeglobalsecurity.org/.

Also read: Shipping organisations concerned about seafarer safety

Detecting and deterring maritime security threats

Seafarers operating ships around the world encounter a range of maritime security threats, which often involve aggressive state and non-state actors. Although these threats vary across regions and in their severity, they can have a traumatic effect on seafarers who face unwarranted physical and mental harm. In some cases, being held as hostages and subjected to violence and ill-treatment for extended periods.

To counter the threat, existing BMP guidance has greatly improved the industry’s ability to understand, detect, and deter maritime security threats in recent years, but the advice needs to keep pace with the rapidly evolving threat environment. In BMP Maritime Security, users can navigate easily to different sections and link directly to external sources.

Additionally, the publication includes various diagrams that provide valuable learning opportunities. The publication includes a significant section detailing global authorities and, importantly, appropriate contacts and tools for seafarer welfare support.

Also read: Fewer piracy incidents in 2024, but crew still at risk

Spike in attacks agains merchant ships

‘2024 saw an unprecedented spike in attacks against merchant ships,’ says David Loosley, BIMCO Secretary General & CEO. ‘Ships were attacked with weapons of war in the Black Sea and in the Southern Red Sea more than one hundred times, and four innocent seafarers lost their lives. Globally, 126 seafarers were held hostage during pirate attacks and armed robberies, and twelve seafarers were kidnapped. BMP MS will reduce risks and save lives. While we cannot control how the threats will develop in 2025 and beyond, we can make sure that we have the best tools available to help protect our seafarers and world trade.’

Guy Platten, Secretary General ICS, adds: ‘Recent years have shown the stark security threats that seafarers and the industry can face in the service of world trade. From the conflict in Ukraine to the Red Sea Crisis, the dangers faced by shipping have increased to a severity not seen in two generations. This new global BMP continues the shipping industry’s unswerving commitment to protecting seafarers and mitigating threats to the trade on which we all depend.’

The publication is available for download here.

Also read: Piracy incidents fall, but attacks more violent