Sailors SocietyPort of StocktonVan AalstTOC Africa 2025TBA GroupTelestack
  • Vigan
  • TOC Africa 2025
  • Port of Stockton
  • Cimbria
  • Sailors Society
  • TOC Americas 2025

“Game changer” in Gulf of Guinea piracy fight

“Game changer” in Gulf of Guinea piracy fight

(Posted on 14/06/21)

Nigeria has announced a significant investment in military and law enforcement infrastructure to secure its maritime domain as part of a stepping up of actions to address the ongoing piracy issue in the Gulf of Guinea. Managed by the Nigerian Maritime Safety Agency (NIMASA), the multi-agency project will significantly increase maritime security in the region, an area blighted by piracy, armed robbery, and other maritime crimes.

A central command and control centre based in Lagos will oversee a network of integrated assets including two special mission vessels, two special mission long- range aircraft, 17 fast-response vessels capable of speeds of 50 knots, three helicopters, and four airborne drones, providing 24/7 cover for the region. These complement the Yaounde ICC structure offering real capability to both Nigeria and the region.

It is the hope of the industry organisations that Deep Blue, coordinated with other navies and programmes through the mechanism of the GOG - Maritime Collaboration Forum/SHADE, will seriously impact on the ability of pirate groups to prey on merchant shipping.

Guy Platten, ICS Secretary General said, “The Deep Blue Project can be a game-changer in the fight against piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, and we congratulate Nigeria in launching the project despite the significant difficulties presented by COVID.”

“We look forward to continuing our close cooperation with NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy to realise our shared vision of a region free from the threat of piracy and armed robbery.”

David Loosley, BIMCO Secretary General, said “Deep Blue becoming operational represents a significant opportunity to expand law and order at sea in cooperation with international forces in the area. We look forward to seeing Nigeria make the best of these assets to the benefit of Nigeria, it’s citizens and economy, and of course the seafarers from all over the world going about their daily business in the Gulf of Guinea.”

Katharina Stanzel, Managing Director of INTERTANKO, said: “INTERTANKO believes that the launch of the Deep Blue Project is a tangible demonstration that the tide has turned against the scourge of piracy. This project has the potential to greatly contribute to seafarers being once again able to carry out their duties without fear for their safety.

“We thank the Nigerian authorities for recognising the issue and putting these measures in place – all within the constraints of the ongoing Covid-19 situation.”

Kostas Gkonis, Secretary General of INTERCARGO, said “Along with our sincere congratulations to the Nigerian authorities on the launch of this important initiative, on behalf of the dry bulk shipping sector, we very much anticipate that the Deep Blue Project will make a significant impact in reducing piracy and armed robbery, protecting seafarers, ships, and the essential trade that serves the peoples of countries in the region.”

Latest News

Positive results for Pacific Basin despite weaker freight market

(Posted on 15/08/25)

Pacific Basin Shipping Limited, one of the world’s leading dry bulk shipping companies, has announced... Read more


Swedish Club: Geopolitical volatility is new normal for marine insurance

(Posted on 14/08/25)

The shipping industry must accept that geopolitical instability is now a permanent part of the operating... Read more


Diverse vessel and market portfolio provides resilience for Algoma

(Posted on 11/08/25)

Algoma Central Corporation has reported its results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025... Read more


Columbia: Compliance must be more than box-ticking exercise

(Posted on 11/08/25)

The International Maritime Organization’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) has sent a clear message... Read more


DNV and RSI complete study on decarbonising short sea dry bulk fleet

(Posted on 07/08/25)

Amid increasing pressure on shipping to achieve the IMO 2050 decarbonization targets, the Responsible... Read more


London P&I Club warns industry over incorrect FIBC loading

(Posted on 04/08/25)

The London P&I Club has renewed calls on ship owners, operators and charterers to address potential... Read more


Columbia Group calls for overhaul of maritime training

(Posted on 04/08/25)

Columbia Group is calling for urgent reforms in maritime education to address a growing shortage of... Read more


MIS launches as new global media platform

(Posted on 30/07/25)

Maritime Information Services (MIS) has officially launched as a global media platform delivering daily... Read more


Russian and Ukrainian seafarers continue struggle with psychiatric fallout of war

(Posted on 30/07/25)

Russian and Ukrainian seafarers continue to experience significant psychological strain following the... Read more


Noatum expands global footprint with inauguration of Shanghai office

(Posted on 30/07/25)

Noatum Maritime, part of AD Ports Group’s Maritime & Shipping Cluster, announced the official... Read more


CimbriaPort of South LouisianaTOC Americas 2025Geneva DryBühler GmbHVigan
  • Bühler GmbH
  • Port of South Louisiana
  • TBA Group
  • Telestack

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping