The International Chamber of Shipping has urged the New Zealand Government to consider the benefit of current practices in other parts of the world when it considers making changes to its maritime competition regime.

 

In a paper submitted to the New Zealand Productivity Commission, ICS comments: “We believe that New Zealand should take full account of the recognition given by other competition authorities to the benefits of current practices, such as liner conferences and consortia, in terms of efficiency of world trade, and the implications for national economies and the interests of consumers.  We respectfully suggest that this is especially important for nations such as New Zealand that have such a very high dependency on the availability of reliable maritime services in order to maintain their position as major trading economies.”

 

ICS highlights current practices in Australia, the United States, China and other Far Eastern countries, pointing out that “whatever might be decided for reasons of national competition policy, ship operators trading to and from New Zealand are part of a global shipping market, and that the various maritime competition rules that apply in the Asia Pacific are currently broadly in alignment.

 

 “We suggest that whatever New Zealand decides should be consistent with the APEC Guidelines Related to Liner Shipping adopted by the APEC member economies in June 2011 in Brisbane, ” it urges in its submission.

 

ICS says it believes there is “a very strong case” for the exemption of liner trade practices such as conference and consortia agreements from the competition provisions of the NZ Commerce Act.

 

 “They allow shipping services to cope better with the severe and sudden imbalances in trade flows that are a feature of global shipping markets, including intense seasonal fluctuations,” it states. “Co-operation amongst liner companies helps them to commit to the long term investments required to operate their high value assets.

 

“Reliable and stable shipping services have been the backbone of world trade and it is important that they continue to be so in the future.” 

—ends—

Notes To Editors:

·                       A copy of the ICS submission is attached to this email

The following is issued on behalf of the sponsors of Best Management Practices for Protection against Somalia Based Piracy (BMP4).

LAUNCH OF BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES 4

The fourth edition of the ‘Best Management Practices for Protection against Somalia Based Piracy’ (BMP4) has been launched.

Supported by all major shipping associations, the Best Management Practices provides invaluable information to help all shipping companies, ship’s masters and crew to fully prepare their ship for transit through the High Risk Area, in order to avoid, deter or delay piracy attack.

Now in its fourth edition, the handy-size booklet provides important updates and new information since the issue of BMP3 in 2010. Changes include a section on the three fundamental requirements of BMP 4, an aide memoire on how to avoid being a victim of piracy, a checklist for company planning and, expanded guidance on the possible use of Private Maritime Security Contractors.

BMP 4 is fully supported and endorsed by EUNAVFOR, NATO, CMF, UKMTO and INTERPOL. Since they were first published, implementation of Best Management Practices has consistently proved to be the best defence against Somalia based piracy.

Complimentary hard copies of BMP4 will be distributed from September and soft copies will be available for free download from each of the websites listed on the attachment.

Ends.
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With the assistance of its members, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) in association with the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA), has compiled a useful reference document collating the policy and rules of Flag States on the carriage of arms and private armed guards on board vessels.

The document, providing tabulated information on Flag States’ rules, has been added to the ICS website and is proving to be a popular reference tool for shipowners and other interested parties within the shipping community.

Kiran Khosla, ICS Director of Legal Affairs and secretary of the ICS’ maritime law and insurance committees, says: “When the information is compiled together like this it is interesting to see the similarities and variations in approach throughout the international community. Piracy remains a major cause for concern among shipowners and the wider shipping industry and we are not surprised that members are keen to ensure they are up to speed with the latest recommendations and advice.

“The consensus view among ICS national shipowner associations remains that private armed guards are a clear second best to military personnel. However, in view of the current crisis, ICS has had to acknowledge that the decision to engage armed guards, whether military or private, is a decision to be made by the ship operator after due consideration of all the risks and subject to the approval of the vessel’s Flag State and insurer,” she said.

The ICS points out that this information is for general guidance only and is not a substitute for proper verification with the Flag States concerned.

The ICS welcomes further information from Flag States to update their listing or to be added to the list.
—ends—
Notes to Editors:
• A copy of the ICS/ECSA document is attached for your reference.
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