Incidents of maritime crime drop
Global piracy and armed robbery at sea have fallen to their lowest levels since 1995 according to the latest report from the International Chamber of Commerce’s International Maritime Bureau (IMB).
Figures for the first half of this year recorded 98 incidents compared to 134 in the corresponding period of 2015. This contrasts sharply with the peak of 2010 and 2003 when nearly 450 attacks a year were reported.
In the first half of 2016, the IMB recorded 72 vessels boarded, five hijackings, and a further 12 attempted attacks. Nine ships were fired upon.
The only worrying trend is
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice
If the foreign military sale request is approved, Germany would be the first country outside the US to acquire the technology, which is currently used extensively by the US Navy.
-
Beyond GPS: How LEO satellites are changing the game in naval navigation
Satellite navigation is increasingly critical for global maritime defence, and Low Earth Orbit satellites are rapidly overtaking the traditional and more widely used Medium Earth Orbit option as they are less susceptible to jamming or spoofing.
-
US continues to review AUKUS submarine deal as HII ticks off new Virginia-class sea trials
The initial sea trials for Virginia-class SSN 798 conducted by Newport News Shipbuilding division and the US Navy marked an “important step”, but the ongoing AUKUS review casts a shadow over what the progress means for the partner nations.