IMO faces calls to enhance maritime security code amid rising threats

The International Association of Ports and Harbors has called on the International Maritime Organization to update the world’s main maritime security regulatory framework, as escalating attacks on commercial shipping and emerging cyber and technology risks expose potential gaps in rules largely unchanged for more than two decades.

In a statement Nov. 5, the industry group representing roughly 400 ports and related businesses globally said there was a case for updated guidance around the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code to reflect modern port operations and strengthen cooperation between governments and industry.

Its survey of 181 maritime stakeholders rated the effectiveness of the existing framework at below 50% on average, with 83% identifying cybersecurity and digitalization as a weakness and 57% citing emerging technologies and automation.

The debate comes amid severe disruption to key energy shipping routes amid persistent security concerns. The International Maritime Organization has recorded over 120 incidents around the Strait of Hormuz, possibly more than 100 attacks in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov, and 19 attacks or piracy incidents in the Gulf of Aden and Western Indian Ocean region this year, resulting in 24 verified seafarer deaths and potentially another 38 casualties.

This story was originally published by Hellenic Shipping News. Read the full story at Hellenic Shipping News →