European shipowners are deeply concerned about the increasing number of piracy incidents and ongoing violence in the Gulf of Guinea. According to the shipowners, the Gulf of Guinea remains a high-risk area for piracy and armed robberies.
The latest piracy report from the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) shows that the Gulf of Guinea has become increasingly dangerous for seafarers. In the first nine months of 2019, the region accounted for 86% of the 49 crew members held hostage and 82% of the 70 crew members abducted worldwide.
According to the shipowners, these threats also endanger trade and development both regionally and globally. It is time for EU member states to intensify their efforts to enhance maritime security in the Gulf, the shipowners say. The ECSA calls on European policymakers to implement a number of measures so that ships and crews can operate in a safe environment. The EU's cooperation with coastal states and the active contributions of its member states beyond territorial waters — such as the deployment of warships — are urgently needed to improve the current unsafe situation.
ECSA also reiterated its call for strong financial support from the EU, in a joint campaign with more than 40 European associations and organizations. To achieve a truly climate-neutral, green, integrated, digital, and accessible transport system for all, investments and funding are required. Furthermore, the shipowners believe that 750 billion euros are still needed to complete the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) by 2030.