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- Worldwide – Six month drop in world piracy, IMB report shows
- Bunker Update – GAC MARKET PRICE UPDATE 23/07/12
DATE: July 23, 2012 – COUNTRY: Worldwide – Six month drop in world piracy, IMB report shows
The number of pirate attacks have fallen sharply in the first half of 2012, led by a drop in Somali piracy, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) International Maritime Bureau’s (IMB) global piracy report revealed, but warned that these numbers were offset by a worrying increase of attacks in the Gulf of Guinea.
Overall, 177 incidents were reported to the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre (PRC) in the first six months of 2012, compared to 266 incidents for the corresponding period in 2011.
The report showed that 20 vessels were hijacked worldwide, with a total number of 334 crew members taken hostage. There were a further 80 vessels boarded, 25 vessels fired upon and 52 reported attempted attacks. At least four crew members were killed.
The decrease in the overall number is primarily due to the decline in the incidents of Somali piracy activity, dropping from 163 in the first six months of 2011 to 69 in 2012. Somali pirates also hijacked fewer vessels, down from 21 to 13. Nonetheless, Somali piracy continues to remain a serious threat….
….The report, in part, has attributed the noticeable decline in Somali piracy to the pre-emptive and disruptive counter piracy tactics employed by the international navies. This includes the disruption of mother vessels and Pirate Action Groups….
….The effective deployment of Best Management Practices, ship hardening and, in particular, the increased use of Privately Contracted Armed Security Personnel (PCASP), has also contributed to the falling numbers.
As of 30 June 2012, Somali pirates were still holding 11 vessels and 218 crew, 44 of whom were being held ashore in unknown locations and conditions.
The decline in Somali piracy, however, has been offset by an increase of attacks in the Gulf of Guinea, where 32 incidents, including five hijackings, were reported in 2012, versus 25 in 2011. In Nigeria alone there were 17 reports, compared to six in 2011. Togo reported five incidents including a hijacking, compared to no incidents during the same time last year.
The IMB report emphasized that high levels of violence were also being used against crew members in the Gulf of Guinea. Guns were reported in at least 20 of the 32 incidents. At least one crew member was killed and another later died as a result of an attack.
In Nigeria, three vessels and 61 crew members were taken hostage. Seven vessels were boarded, six fired upon and one attempted attack was reported. The report further showed that attacks by armed pirates in skiffs were occurring at greater distances from the coast, suggesting the possible use of fishing or other vessels to reach targets. On 30 June 2012 alone, three vessels were fired upon, including a tanker and a container vessel within a five-minute period, approximately 135 nautical miles from Port Harcourt.
The increase in pirate activity off Togo has also been attributed to Nigerian pirates. The five reported incidents all occurred in April, culminating with the hijacking of a Panamax product tanker by the month’s end.
Attacks elsewhere in the world have mainly been armed robberies. Indonesia accounts for almost 20% of the global numbers, with 32 reported incidents compared to 21 over the same period in 2011. Twenty-eight of the vessels targeted were boarded, including 23 anchored vessels, two berthed and three that were underway. Guns have been reported on one occasion. IMB further noted that many other attacks may also have gone unreported….
(For information about operations worldwide, contact the respective GAC office. Details may be found in the Contacts section of www.gac.com)
Source: Extracts from International Maritime Bureau (http://www.icc-ccs.org) bulletin
DATE: July 23, 2012 Bunker Update: GAC MARKET PRICE UPDATE 23/07/12
Middle East
- Qatar IFO380: 0 IFO180: 0 MDO: 0 MGO: 900
- Salalah IFO380: 674 IFO180: 714 MDO: 0 MGO: 1075
Indian Subcontinent
- Mumbai IFO380: 648 IFO180: 663 MDO: 0 MGO: 1090
Egypt & Mediterranean
- Istanbul IFO380: 634.5 IFO180: 654.5 MDO: 0 MGO: 960.5
- Malta LS IFO380: 734.5 IFO180: 766.5 MDO: 0 MGO: 0
Europe & Africa
- Durban IFO380: 0 IFO180: 644.5 MDO: 1125.5 MGO: 0
Americas
- Rio de Janeiro: IFO380: 650.5 IFO180: 674 MDO: 0 MGO: 975
Asia Pacific
- Busan IFO380: 615 IFO180: 625 MDO: 913 MGO: 923
- Hong Kong: IFO380: 661.5 IFO180: 665.5 MDO: 927.5 MGO: 930.5
- Kaohsiung IFO380: 673 IFO180: 685 MDO: 955 MGO: 970
- Shanghai IFO380: 639.5 IFO180: 651.5 MDO: 0 MGO: 1046.5
- Singapore IFO380: 642.5 IFO180: 655.5 MDO: 961.5 MGO: 966.5
For any questions relating to the above or any otherbunkering matters, contact GAC Bunker Fuels on Tel +44-20-8749 7355 (24 hours) or by e-mail: bunker.gb@gac.com bunker.ae@gac.com bunker.sa@gac.com bunker.sg@gac.com bunker.eg@gac.com
