Shipping Industry Task Forces Acts to Mitigate Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea

A task force of stakeholders from across the shipping industry launched the Gulf of Guinea Declaration on the Suppression of Piracy.[1] This included 120 organizations across the maritime industry, including flag state administrations, shipowners, charterers, and shipping associations.[2]  The Baltic and International Marine Council (BIMCO) heralded the declaration as a huge accomplishment.  Sadan Kaptanoglu, BIMCO president and shipowner, stated, “we hope that all parties with an interest in a safe Gulf of Guinea will sign this declaration.”[3]

While there appears to be some momentum for combating piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, there is still an expressed concern for the region.  , For instance, the country of Denmark, the world’s fifth-largest maritime nation.[4]  Denmark is combatting piracy by deploying a frigate that will go to the region in the fall of 2021.[5]  Unfortunately, Denmark’s effort may not be enough to deal with the persistent problem.  BIMCO reported that it will take some years before states can effectively manage the problem of piracy.[6]  In the meantime, the best solution is to have capable military assets from able and willing non-regional states to actively combat piracy in the area.[7]

                This article will explore the following topics: first, there will be a discussion on recent piracy incidences in the Gulf of Guinea.  The article will discuss the individual response by the Danish Government.  Attention will  turn to BIMCO’s declaration, and finally, the article will discuss anti-piracy efforts of other international organizations.  These international organizations will consist of, but not limited to, the European Union (EU), the North Atlantic Treaty (NATO), and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).