Six primary international associations of the shipping industry have presented today the new interactive guide online "Best Management Practices (BMP) for Maritime Security (MS)" whose goal is to plan navigation in order to detect, avoid, discourage, delay and report attacks and accidents to the ships wherever they occur and that consolidates the previous regional publications in a single complete guide with in depths and practical advice.

In particular, the new publication, available at the address www.maritimeglobalsecurity.org, focuses on providing a threat and risk management process and, recognizing the dynamic nature of regional security scenarios, provides guidance to direct users to the most up-to-date intelligence information on security and risk assessment. The publication also includes a section describing in detail the global authorities and, above all, the appropriate contacts and tools for the support of seafarers' well-being.

The new guide has been realized, with the support of over 40 stakeholders of the industry, from BIMCO, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA), Intercargo, Intertanko and the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF).

"The 2024 - said David Loosley, general secretary and CEO of BIMCO, on the occasion of the presentation of the publication - saw an unprecedented peak of the attacks against the merchant ships. Ships have been attacked with war weapons in the Black Sea and in the Southern Red Sea more than one hundred times and four innocent seafarers have lost their lives. At global level, 126 seafarers were held hostage during pirate attacks and armed robberies and 12 seafarers were kidnapped. BMP MS will reduce risks and save lives. Although we cannot control how the threats will develop in 2025 and beyond, we can make sure we have the best tools available to help protect our seafarers and world trade".