INTERNATIONAL Marine News
ABYC announces board members at annual meeting
The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) marked its 70th anniversary, welcomed new board members, and honoured award recipients at its annual meeting in Annapolis, Maryland. ABYC board chair Jeff Wasil and president John Adey briefed attendees on ABYC’s initiatives and acknowledged the volunteers dedicated to boating safety. Captain Amy Beach, director of inspections and compliance for the US coast guard (USCG), also addressed the gathering.
“A recent study found NMMA certified boats using ABYC standards are much less likely to be involved in accidents involving serious injury or fatality than non-certified boats,” noted Beach. “The USCG cannot accomplish its safety mission alone, and we’re thankful to have such long-standing partnerships as ABYC.”
The 2024 board of directors were elected, including Scott Croft of BoatUS, Sean Hatherley of Navico Group and Randall Lyons from the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association. Hatherley highlighted ABYC’s role in setting industry standards and its international recognition by groups including the International Organization for Standardization and the USCG.
“Without the level of education and training provided, many companies large and small would not be successful today,” he says. “The industry is constantly changing, and ABYC has everything covered to make sure boats are built to safe standards and high quality.”
Belgian shipowners welcome the country’s EU Council Presidency
On behalf of its members, the Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association (KBRV) has welcomed Belgium’s takeover of the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which lasts six months until the end of June 2024.
Echoing the six priorities of the Belgian Presidency, Mr Lemmens further explained how the maritime industry plays a key role in supporting Belgium’s vision for the future of Europe.
He said, “Europe needs to strengthen its competitiveness in order to enhance its economic security and resilience. As a great maritime nation, Belgium has a forward-looking and innovative shipping industry made up of a talented and experienced workforce. Both Belgian and the wider European shipping sectors are effectively supporting Europe’s dominant position as a global trading powerhouse. This is the foundation of Europe’s geopolitical strength that should be reinforced and built upon.”
“Europe also needs to ensure the rapid yet smooth transition from carbon-based to sustainable fuels, which is the basis to combat climate change, by supporting key industries that are driving the process. The Belgian shipping industry is a prime example that is leading shipping’s green transition.”
IMB Report Reveals Alarming Rise In Maritime Piracy Worldwide In 2023
Recent data from the International Maritime Bureau reveal a concerning increase in maritime piracy cases in 2023. The research indicates the first successful hijacking from Somalia since 2017, which alarmed specialists in marine security. The yearly Report on Piracy and Robbery (armed) shows 120 instances in 2023—a slight increase over the 115 incidents from the previous year.
The most disturbing incident mentioned in the report is the successful hijacking off the coast of Somalia on December 14, 2023. About 700 nautical miles east of Bosaso, a handymax bulk ship was taken over by alleged Somali pirates. Since 2017, there has not been a successful hijacking in Somali waters. This is a matter of concern, according to IMB Director Michael Howlett, who expressed concern. The IMB is again urging all masters and vessel owners to continue adhering to the guidelines and reporting requirements outlined in the most recent version of the Best Management Practices.
The incident highlights the ongoing threat that Somali pirates pose. Although fewer instances have been reported in the Gulf of Guinea (22 in 2023 compared to 81 in 2020), the region remains a hotspot for maritime piracy. This region accounted for three of the four hijackings reported worldwide in 2023, which also accounts for all 14 crew kidnappings and seventy-five per cent of reported crew hostages. Crew safety is also a concern in the Singapore Straits, where opportunistic crimes are rising. Michael Howlett raises concern about vessels’ incomplete and delayed reporting. The IMB continues to stand up for the timely reporting of all accidents since it advances its knowledge of risk.
THE REPORT | MAR 2024 | ISSUE 107 | 13
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