West Africa maritime security update

Brett Hosking, of The Standard Club, considers the current maritime security position off west Africa amid concerns about the deteriorating situation in the region

There has been a marked increase in incidents of piracy and armed robbery attacks off west Africa during 2019 and early 2020. This includes the worrying increase in kidnappings involving tankers often occurring a long way from shore. A recent industry report highlighted that the most dangerous area currently for maritime crime is west Africa. In an effort to provide a comprehensive update of the region, Standard Club has collated various guidance from local maritime lawyers and P&I correspondents in west Africa.