Karen Jacques, Chief Operating Officer, Dryad Maritime:
“Our South East Asia special advisory is specifically designed to forewarn and equip maritime operators with the latest intelligence on the region which will allow them to plan their transits and assess risk accurately. Our analysts have collated intelligence from a wide range of sources to produce this unique and essential report into the growth of maritime crime in the region. It highlights emerging areas of risk which cannot be treated with complacency and also provides clear advice that will enable Masters and crew to implement new procedures that will help to significantly reduce risk.”
The number of incidents of piracy or attempted piracy around the Malacca Strait has significantly reduced from 38 in 2004 to just 2 in 2012 thanks to greater effective collaboration between its littoral states. However, as a result criminal syndicates have now moved their operations to the Singapore Straits, the South China Sea and the Indonesian archipelago, where continued border disputes between neighbouring states have hindered attempts to fully integrate anti-piracy operations in the region.
This lack of cooperation has resulted in a steady increase in maritime crime. In the ‘Special Advisory South East Asia: Disorganised Theft to Organised Crime’, analysis conducted by Dryad Maritime Intelligence of such attacks in both the South China Sea and the Singapore Straits has revealed significant differences in the modus operandi in both areas.
Ian Millen, Dryad Maritime’s Head of Intelligence:
“Whilst low level opportunistic robbery of ships at anchor and alongside represents the majority of maritime crime in the region, it is organised, sophisticated piracy operations which are of the greatest concern. Analysis would suggest that organised criminal syndicates are targeting vessels for their cargo. This targeting suggests insider information detailing a ship’s cargo, intended route and transit times is being passed to criminals before the vessel has even put to sea. Unlike piracy operations in the Horn of Africa, it is likely that an increasing majority of attacks are ‘made to order’ with buyers in place before the event takes place”.
Attempts by the nations of South East Asia at reducing piracy and maritime crime, have so far had limited effect. A combination of complex archipelagic geography and under-resourced maritime security forces, all suggest this trend of increasing maritime criminal activity is likely to continue in the foreseeable future. Until there is a concerted and consistent multi-national, multi-agency effort to combat the increasing threat of high end organised hijacking, those operating in the area should be particularly vigilant and ensure they are fully prepared and protected against all threats.
Providing detailed insight into the evolving trend of piracy to target commercial vessels, this special advisory is essential reading for Shipowners, Managers and Charterers operating in areas spanning the Singapore Straits, the South China Sea and the Indonesian archipelago.
Download the advisory now, direct from Dryad Maritime (http://www.dryadmaritime.com/
Ends
Notes to Editors:
• Dryad Maritime is a specialist maritime intelligence company helping seafarers to quantify, mitigate and manage the threats from piracy, terrorism and other waterborne threat and crime. The predictive nature and practical application of Dryad’s intelligence enables seafarers to make planning and operational decisions that safeguard their safety as well as their commercial operations.
• Different from news aggregators, Dryad Maritime sources the most accurate information from their extensive and privileged network around the world; applies methodical, strategic analysis using subject matter experts and produces predictive forecasts which inform seafarers where the risks are and how to mitigate them.
Further information & interviews:
Nikki Carpenter, Head of Marketing and Communications, Dryad Maritime Intelligence nikki@dryadmaritime.com or 07786 513757 or 0845 060 0072.
