Joint War Committee
The JWC represents the interests of those writing war risks in the London market.
Egypt
The situation in Egypt is being monitored by underwriters and their security advisers. At present, the Suez Canal remains open and, despite reports of isolated incidents, the ports are largely functioning as normal. Unless the situation changes drastically or continues for an extended period, the JWC does not plan to meet or to amend the Listed Areas.
Somalian Piracy
The area where ships are at risk has widened yet further. The JWC has considered the increased range of the pirates given their use of substantial motherships and has delineated a new area of enhanced risk in JWLA016 (in circulars below). Pirate tactics continue to evolve. Legal aspects remain problematic and considerable numbers of captured pirates are simply released. The US Executive Order effectively requires insurers to contact OFAC should they be involved in a piracy case.
EUNAVFOR believes that voyage registration is improving but up to 25% of vessels transiting the Gulf of Aden fail to register with MSCHOA or report to UKMTO and are therefore unable to benefit fully from the naval protection which is available. In one sample of incidents, out of 15,000 vessels which registered their transits, only 2 were taken.
BMP (Best Management Practices)
The current version is BMP3, released June 2010. This version includes details of self-protection measures and a feedback request to masters on the effectiveness of the anti-piracy actions taken by the vessel. It is clearly necessary for adequate training and regular practice to be given to crews to enable them to respond effectively when under attack or threat. Low speed and low freeboard remain factors which significantly increase the vulnerability of ships.
The British Government has produced this chart which neatly summarises navigation issues.
Somalia background
ITF Statement on Piracy, 23 Nov 09
Bulletins/Circulars
The following circulars have been issued by the JWC, including the latest Listed Areas, issued 16 December 2010.