Shipping Industry Welcomes MEPS’ Action On Pirate Attacks

24 October 2008

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), which represents all sectors and trades of the world merchant fleet, has welcomed the Resolution adopted by the European Parliament (on Thursday 23 October – see Resolution, see EU press release) concerning pirate attacks against shipping in the Gulf of Aden, and the call from MEPS urging EU Member States to support further action by the UN Security Council and for effective co-ordination between EU naval forces and the military vessels of other nations in the region.

ICS Secretary General, Tony Mason remarked:

“This is a very welcome effort by MEPS to pursue the need for greater clarity of the international legal basis for intervention by military naval forces, which is urgently needed to tackle the Somali pirates and restore security and order to one of the world’s most critical trade arteries. But while ICS greatly appreciates the action of the European Parliament, there is also still a need to establish a legal mechanism to arrest, try and punish acts of piracy under proper due process.”

Source: ICS International Chamber of Shipping