The Asian Shipowners’ Association has called for the guidelines for ships transiting the notoriously unstable Horn of Africa to be updated to better reflect the changing geopolitical situation in the region.
BMP4 are the guidelines in question, which were created by both commercial shipping organisations and a joint naval coalition in response to the threat of Somali piracy which was at its most rampant at the start of the decade.
The Asian Shipowners’ Association said in a release that the situation off the Horn of Africa has grown “increasingly complex”, with “increasing geo-political tensions”, particularly in Yemen, and an increased risk from other threats such as terrorism.
The association called for the industry to update BMP4 to reflect the current situation in the region so as to ensure that seafarers have access to the most relevant and up-to-date information.
Except for a revised HRA, not an updated since August 2011.