Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) plans to enter the fight against piracy in Asia with a new information sharing agreement.
OCIMF, which administers the most widely used database for vetting tankers, says the agreement is with the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP).
ReCAAP is an inter-government group that runs an information sharing centre about incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia.
OCIMF and ReCAAP formed a working group in late 2015 to address safety issues for ships transiting Asian waters. The new agreement will disburse safety information more widely and aims to "safeguard the interest of ships and seafarers operating in Asia."
Masafumi Kuroki, who heads ReCAAP's information sharing centre, says incidences of piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia have gradually declined over the last few years.
But "continued vigilance and engagement with stakeholders are essential in safeguarding the interests of ships and seafarers operating in Asia," Kuroki added.
"ReCAAP information sharing centre’s deepening partnership with OCIMF represents our commitment to work with industry to support the safety and security of ship owners and mariners."
OCIMF’s director Andrew Cassels said: "We have common values with the ReCAAP information Sharing Centre to keep seafarers safe and the maritime highways secure. In today’s uncertain world, industry must work collaboratively and support governments in protecting our vital interests ensuring global trade can be safely conducted."
