Asian Shipowners' Forum

21st ASF AGM (Port Douglas, Australia on 21-23 May 2012)

julie — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 07:41:30 +0000

20th Interim Meeting of the Asian Shipowners’ Forum (ASF) Safe

julie — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 07:35:59 +0000

PRESS RELEASE
Date: 18 March 2011
ASIAN SHIPOWNERS EXPRESS OUTRAGE AT LACK
OF GOVERNMENT ACTION IN FACE OF
ESCALATING PIRACY INCIDENTS
At the 20th Interim Meeting of the Asian Shipowners’ Forum (ASF) Safe
Navigation & Environment Committee (SNEC) held in Singapore on 18 March
2011, representatives of Asian shipowners’ associations expressed their anger
and outrage at the increasing number of attacks on their ships and the brutality
shown by Somali pirates.
“The current situation, where a handful of pirates in open skiffs can hold the
world’s economy hostage, is completely unacceptable – as responsible owners
and managers, we must take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and
wellbeing of our seafarers!” said Mr. S. S. Teo, SNEC Chairman. “Not only are
seafarers being tortured and murdered – civilians and children are being targeted
as well. The situation is increasingly untenable.”
It was noted that pirates had attacked 445 ships, hijacked 53 of them and taken
1181 seafarers hostage worldwide in 2010. Today, about 700 seafarers remain
hostages in deplorable conditions off Somalia.
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The Committee expressed very serious concern at the threat posed by pirates to
international shipping, particularly in the Gulf of Aden, the Indian Ocean and in
the waters off Somalia.
The Committee demands that all governments must act decisively and
expeditiously to eradicate piracy and attacks on ships. Whilst appreciating the
assistance and protection provided by the naval forces stationed in the Gulf of
Aden presently, the Committee does not consider it sustainable in the longer
term. The Committee is of the unanimous view that the United Nations and the
International Maritime Organisation (IMO) must exercise strong political will to
bring the situation under control.
The Meeting strongly supports the call by international shipping organisations
worldwide to neutralise the threat of the captured, hostage-crewed mother ships
that are allowing pirates to roam the Indian Ocean unimpeded. The Committee
acknowledges that in addition to complying fully with all the measures put
forward in the latest version of Best Management Practices to deter piracy in the
Gulf of Aden and off the Coast of Somalia, which has been developed by the
industry, the Committee notes and appreciates that individual ASF Members may
adopt additional safety measures such as the use of armed guards to protect the
lives and well-being of their seafarers.
Whilst the Committee further acknowledged that the use of private armed guards
should be a measure of last resort, the Committee nonetheless welcomes the
proposal by Singapore, with support from the Philippines, ICS and BIMCO,
calling on the IMO to consider the development of non-mandatory guidance to
assist ship owners and operators in employing private armed security service
providers. Furthermore, the Committee supports the submission to IMO from the
Bahamas and the Marshall Islands calling for the accreditation of independent
maritime security providers.
3 | P a g e
In closing, the Committee stressed that whilst ship owners and managers should
do their utmost to protect their seafarers, ultimate responsibility for ensuring
safety of navigation on the high seas should rest with governments.
“This is the most pressing issue for the industry at this time” said Mr. S. S. Teo.
*****************
Hosted by the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA), the 20th Interim Meeting of
the SNEC was attended by representatives of shipowners’ associations from
Hong Kong, India, Chinese Taipei and the Federation of ASEAN Shipowners’
Associations (FASA) as represented by the shipowners’ associations of
Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Mr. S.S. Teo, President of SSA chaired the SNEC meeting on behalf of FASA.
During the meeting, the Committee also considered and discussed current
issues of concern relating to the safe navigation of ships and the protection of
the marine environment.
For any further questions, please contact:
Mr. Daniel Tan,
Secretary
ASF Safe Navigation & Environment Committee
Tel: (65) 62225238
Email: fasa@pacific.net.sg
Editor’s note:
The Asian Shipowners’ Forum is a voluntary organization of the shipowner associations of Australia, China, Chinese Taipei,
Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea and the Federation of ASEAN Shipowners’ Associations comprising shipping associations of
ASEAN countries. The aims of the ASF are to promote the interests of the Asian shipowning industries. Between annual ASF
meetings, the ongoing work is carried out by the five Standing Committees; the Shipping Economics Review Committee, the
Seafarers Committee, the Ship Recycling Committee, the Safe Navigation and Environment Committee, and the Ship Insurance
and Liability Committee. It has been estimated that ASF owners and managers control and operate nearly 50% of the world’s
cargo carrying fleet.

21st Interim Meeting of the Asian Shipowners’ Forum (ASF) Safe Navigation & Environment Committee (SNEC) held in Singapore on 16 September 2011

julie — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 07:13:42 +0000

Date: Friday, 16 September 2011
For Immediate Release
Asian Shipowners urge UN to take new and bold anti-piracy measures
At the 21st Interim Meeting of the Asian Shipowners’ Forum (ASF) Safe Navigation & Environment Committee (SNEC) held in Singapore on 16 September 2011, the Committee again expressed their anger and frustration at the ever-increasing threat of piracy and ship hijacks, particularly in the Somali Basin, Arabian Sea and in the West Indian Ocean. The Meeting also criticised the United Nations (UN) and governments for the lack of urgency and political will to suppress this growing problem.
The Committee expressed concern that, despite the presence of military and naval forces, Somali pirates attacked 163 ships, hijacked 21 of them and took 361 seafarers hostage so far in 2011. Based on UKMTO’s report as at 9 September 2011, 11 merchant vessels with 271 seafarers remain captive under deplorable conditions in Somalia.
“Not only are these dangerous Somali pirates free to roam the Indian Ocean at will attacking and hijacking ships, they have not spared ships anchored in sovereign waters. Also, Somali pirates may serve as a strong inspiration for criminals in other states,” said Mr. Patrick Phoon, SNEC Chairman.
“The safety and welfare of our seafarers and their families must remain of utmost importance. Discounting the economic cost of anywhere between US$3.5 and US$8 billion a year, we cannot ignore the lasting physical and psychological trauma suffered by our seafarers at the hands of these merciless outlaws.”
The Committee agreed that the time has come to implement bold measures. In the absence of concrete policy to address the root problem of Somali piracy, the Committee strongly supports the Round Table of International Shipowners Associations’ (RTisa) call urging the UN to establish an Anti – Piracy Military Task Force consisting of Armed Military Guards that can be deployed in small detachments onboard merchant ships to protect them during their transits through those treacherous waters. It urges the UN and all governments to adopt a strong political will and take decisive actions to resolve this problem expeditiously.
The Committee reiterates that, as a bare minimum, ship owners and managers must comply with BMP 4. The Committee further recognises that BMP 4 alone will not guarantee that a vessel is safe from being pirated.
Whilst ship owners and managers are doing their utmost to protect their seafarers and ships, the Committee stressed that the ultimate responsibility for ensuring safety of navigation on the high seas should rest with Flag States and all governments.
The Committee further urged individual Flag States to offer clear and concise guidelines on the use of privately contracted armed security providers which have been duly vetted and accredited by the Flag State in question.
“We emphasise that Governments must have the political will to firmly address this pressing problem”, said Mr. Phoon. “The situation as it stands is unsustainable, and places a very serious financial burden on the shipping industry. If the situation fails to improve, soaring transportation costs will have a detrimental effect on already-fragile regional and global economies.
The Committee remains committed to environmentally friendly shipping.
It welcomes the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) recent adoption of mandatory measures to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from international shipping.
The amendments to MARPOL Annex VI Regulations, which make mandatory the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) for new ships, and the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) for all ships are pragmatic and goal-based which adhere to the IMO’s principles of no more favourable treatment. The Committee hopes that the implementation of these IMO energy efficiency design standards will discourage any individual or regional group of countries from introducing unilateral measures to curb GHG emission from international shipping.
* * * * * *
Hosted by the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA), the 21st Interim Meeting of the SNEC was attended by representatives of shipowners’ associations from India, Japan, Korea, Chinese Taipei and the Federation of ASEAN Shipowners’ Associations (FASA) as represented by the shipowners’ associations of Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Mr. Patrick Phoon, President of SSA chaired the SNEC meeting on behalf of FASA.
During the meeting, the Committee also considered and discussed other issues of concern relating to the safe navigation of ships and the protection of the marine environment.
For any further questions, please contact:
Mr. Daniel Tan,
Secretary
ASF Safe Navigation & Environment Committee
Tel: (65) 62225238
Email: fasa@pacific.net.sg
Editor’s note:
The Asian Shipowners’ Forum is a voluntary organization of the shipowner associations of Australia, China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea and the Federation of ASEAN Shipowners’ Associations comprising shipping associations of ASEAN countries. The aims of the ASF are to promote the interests of the Asian shipowning industries. Between annual ASF meetings, the ongoing work is carried out by the five Standing Committees; the Shipping Economics Review Committee, the Seafarers Committee, the Ship Recycling Committee, the Safe Navigation and Environment Committee, and the Ship Insurance and Liability Committee. It has been estimated that ASF owners and managers control and operate nearly 50% of the world’s cargo carrying fleet.

The 24th Interim Meeting of the ASF SERC

julie — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 07:08:06 +0000

NOTE OF UNDERSTANDING
adopted
at the 24th Interim Meeting of the Asian Shipowners’ Forum (ASF)
Shipping Economics Review Committee (SERC)
The 24th Interim Meeting of the ASF SERC was held in Seoul on 2 November 2011.
The meeting was attended by 21 delegates from the ASF member associations of
ASEAN, China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Japan and Korea. The attendance
list is attached. At the beginning of the meeting, the delegates expressed their
deepest sympathies to the victims of the flood in Thailand and agreed to make their
maximum possible efforts to give their support and contribution for the relief of the
victims.
1. World Economy
In light of overall economic outlook emanating from the sovereign debt crisis, straining
global financial markets, weak economic growth and unacceptably high
unemployment in advanced economies, as well as elevating inflationary pressures on
emerging economies, SERC delegates recognised that the global economy was close
to plunging into a double-dip recession, unless all necessary actions are taken by
policymakers. Under these circumstances, the meeting noted the importance of
senior executives of shipping companies making their individual business decisions
based on evaluation of accurate market and trade data to support smooth flows of
global trade, coupled with considering the recent experience of the industry during the
difficult period since the collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2009.
2. Dry Bulk and Tanker Shipping
1) Dry Bulk
Delegates heard a report on recent upward trends in the Capesize market since the
summer of 2011 mainly in the wake of accelerated charter of vessels due to typhoons
occurring in the Asia region in the summer and recovering demand for iron ore shipped
to China against a backdrop of relatively lower global prices. It was reported that
although stable seaborne growth is expected to continue partly due to firm demands
for urbanisation in the emerging countries, the current recovery was unlikely to be
sustainable in the long-term and the market would be difficult over at least the next few
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PR1NOU 24th SERC (final_rev).doc
years as a direct result of the continued introduction of new vessel capacity and the
sluggish global economy. In the meantime, some positive impact on prospects of the
market was also noted resulting from accelerated scrapping of obsolete vessels and
expected further consolidation in Chinese shipyards.
2) Tanker
It was reported that the overall tanker market still remains sluggish, mainly due to
factors such as overcapacity coupled with slower demolitions and slower than
expected phasing out of single-hull vessels. In addition, other factors are higher prices
for crude oil and gasoline triggered by disruptions in the Middle East that are
undercutting recovery in petroleum demand in advanced nations, reduced number of
vessels used for floating storage as well as negative economic sentiments present in
the market, despite firm demand in emerging countries that have exceeded the level of
the previous year. The delegates noted the view that the market does not look good
for 2012 and beyond. Supply will still outpace demand, hampering market recovery
until 2016. The challenge to the industry participants will be how to respond to the
supply and demand gap.
3. Liner Shipping
1) Overall
Container business is now facing new challenges which are structurally different from
the 2009 downturn, followed by a sharp decline in cargo volumes. The meeting
recognised that liner shipping could be at risk of falling into a prolonged slump, owing
to the current supply-demand trends. Delegates shared a sense of concern that the
market could encounter further deterioration, given that it is estimated that new
capacity of 2 million TEU has been ordered since the middle of 2010.
2) Transpacific trade
As for the transpacific trade, it was reported that US containerised imports had faltered
with the third consecutive monthly drop in year-over-year volume from June 2011 due
to the sluggish US economy suffering a slow improvement in the unemployment rate
and poor performance in the housing market which has depressed consumer
spending. As for volume growth in coming years, it was reported that total volume in
the eastbound trade is forecasted to be down to 2.7% this year and 4% to 5% in 2012
on a year-on-year basis, but others had other perspectives for trade growth. Amid the
difficult time facing the liner industry, shipping companies are urged to make efforts to
provide views to customers to help them recognise the characteristics of the liner
business, especially the close correlation between the quality of liner services and the
scale of investment implemented by the shipping companies, in order to achieve a
sustainable liner business in the long term.
3) Intra-Asia Trade
In connection with the intra-Asia trade, container traffic in the trade remained relatively
brisk, with a steady growth of 5.6% to approximately 9.23 million TEU for the first eight
months in comparison with the same period in 2010. The delegates shared some
- 3 -
PR1NOU 24th SERC (final_rev).doc
concerns over supply and demand trends, as well as steadily escalating costs and the
impact of port congestion. The delegates also noted that the market would continue to
be relatively firm owing to increased trade liberalisation in the Asian region and strong
demand in emerging countries. With regard to the flood in Thailand, the delegates
expressed their expectation for the earliest possible normalisation of economic
activities from current disruptions.
4. Antitrust Immunity
Reports were made on recent developments on the antitrust immunity systems for
ocean carrier agreements around the world. The delegates welcomed recent
decisions by the Singapore and Japanese governments that their antitrust immunity
systems should be maintained. It was also noted positively that APEC formally
adopted a set of guidelines related to liner shipping in June 2011, which recommends
APEC member economies continue to exempt non-ratemaking agreements between
ocean carriers from their respective competition laws. The delegates reaffirmed the
ASF’s long-standing position that the antitrust immunity system for all liner agreements
is indispensable for the healthy development of the shipping industry as well as the
whole trading industry.
5. Other Issues
1) A report was made on recent developments on Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions
and the delegates expressed concern about the possible risk of the entire shipping
market being covered by an emission trade scheme introduced by the EU. The
members expressed a concern about the risk that the shipping industry will become a
major source of funding for non-shipping sectors, initiated by the High-level Advisory
Group on Climate Change Financing (AGF). The delegates fully agreed that realistic
and effective measures to reduce GHG emissions should be dealt with in the IMO.
2) Reports were made regarding the accelerated increase in piracy attacks off the
Coast of Somalia and in the Indian Ocean, and delegates expressed grave concern
about this situation. It was recognised that all possible countermeasures should be
taken by governments and international organisations in order to ensure the safe
navigation of vessels transiting high risk area.
* * *
The ASF Shipping Economics Review Committee (SERC) is a forum for senior
executives of Asian shipping lines to review macroeconomic trade information and
developments, as they relate to shipping and trade. The objective of the SERC is to
improve the quality of executive decision-making by the review of available
macroeconomic data and the sharing of perspectives on major trade and shipping
policy issues.
——————————————

Singapore Ship Sale Form (SSF) expands its reach with the inclusion of the form in the Charter Party Editor by SDSD

julie — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:01:40 +0000

Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Singapore Ship Sale Form (SSF) expands its reach with the inclusion of the form in the Charter Party Editor by SDSD
The move by Asian Shipowners’ Forum (ASF) and Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) is in response to industry’s feedback to make the SSF more user-friendly and accessible to the shipping community

Singapore, 24 November 2011 – The Singapore Ship Sale Form (SSF) has charted new frontiers with its latest move to incorporate a digital editable version of the form through the Charter Party Editor programme by SD Software Developers Ltd (SDSD).

The SSF was officially launched by the Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) on 6 January 2011 in response to the Singapore and Asian maritime community’s call for an alternative viable up-to-date sale form which caters to their needs in view of changing bank regulations and increasing maritime activities and maritime arbitration cases in Asia. With effect from 1 November 2011, SMF has given the exclusive rights to distribute the editable version of the Singapore Ship Sale Form (SSF) to Asian Shipowners’ Forum (ASF) for two years.
In its first bold attempt to market the SSF, ASF has since partnered and licensed leading maritime software and tools development and consultancy company, SDSD to distribute the form on its website, http://www.charterpartyeditor.com/ for its Charter Party Editor (CPE).
“To date, there are 61 known shipping transactions that have adopted the SSF. SSF has proven to be a viable alternative option next to other widely used forms. As the exclusive distributor of the editable version of the SSF, ASF has spearheaded this initiative to market the SSF and encourage the shipping community, both in Asia and beyond, to use this form as the preferred form of agreement. With over 800 worldwide subscribers to the Charter Party Editor, our partnership with SDSD will elevate the awareness of the SSF and make the form more readily accessible to the industry players,” said Mr Yuichi Sonoda, Secretary General, Asian Shipowners’ Forum.

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Press release
Singapore Ship Sale Form through Charter Party Editor

Many established shipbroking companies and shipping agencies are existing subscribers of SDSD’s CPE which houses a portfolio of nearly 100 available forms. Existing subscribers of the CPE can purchase the right to use the digital form of the SSF for an initial fee of 500 GBP which comes with unlimited use within the year. For the following year, instead of paying another 500 GBP, subscribers would only need to pay a small annual licence fee.

With the availability of the SSF for use on the CPE, subscribers, who are predominantly shipbrokers and their support staff, will be able to customise the form while protecting the original contract wording. The system is expected to be more cost effective for high volume users as compared to other existing charter party editor systems which charge users on a per-use basis. SDSD is currently developing a different version of the CPE that will provide short period (limited time) access to the SSF, thereby catering to the needs of low volume users. The new version of the CPE is expected to be completed in early 2012.

“As a key player in the Asian ship broker market, we are pleased with our association with the ASF. SDSD’s CPE has become the industry standard software for ship broking and other maritime companies across the globe, and is used by leading blue chip companies as well as smaller organisations. With our extensive reach and existing client base, we will push the awareness and adoption of the Singapore Ship Sale Form to a higher level”, said Mr Mogens Johansen, Head of Solutions Sales, SDSD.

Mr Michael Chia, Chairman, SMF, welcomed ASF’s recent initiative. He said, “The Singapore Ship Sale Form was created to serve the current needs of the maritime community, both in Asia and in the global shipping industry. We are happy that ASF has taken the lead to promote the use of the SSF through the partnership with SDSD. I believe that the inclusion of the editable version of the SSF on the Charter Party Editor, which our ship broking community is familiar with, will help to encourage a higher usage of the form.”

The digital editable version of the SSF will be available at http://www.charterpartyeditor.com on 24 November 2011. The PDF and word version of the original text of the SSF can still be downloaded at no cost from the official Singapore Ship Sale Form website, www.singforms.com. Those who are interested to purchase the Charter Party Editor software can contact SDSD’s Regional Sales Manager, Marcus Heng on +65 63250755 or sales@sdsd.com.

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Press release
Singapore Ship Sale Form through Charter Party Editor

For media queries, please contact:
Dorothy Ng Elvin Tan
Manager, Corporate Communications Executive Officer
Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) Asian Shipowners’ Forum (ASF)
Tel : +65 6325 0227 Tel: +65 63254737
Mobile : 9631 5500 Email: elvintan@asf.com.sg
Email : dorothy@sgmf.com.sg

About the Singapore Maritime Foundation
The Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) is a private sector-led organisation established in 2004 to develop and promote Singapore as an International Maritime Centre (IMC), in partnership with the government and maritime industry.

The broad objectives of the SMF are:
• To provide a forum in the private sector for exchanging, generating and developing ideas and proposals to turn Singapore into an IMC
• To act as the catalyst in fostering mutual co-operation among various sectors of the maritime industry
• To serve as the government’s partner from the private sector in promoting Singapore as an IMC and developing manpower to support the maritime industry

For details, please visit www.smf.com.sg

About the Asian Shipowners’ Forum
The Asian Shipowners’ Forum is a voluntary organisation of the shipowner associations of Australia, China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea and the Federation of ASEAN Shipowners’ Associations comprising shipping associations of ASEAN countries.

The aims of the ASF are to promote the interests of the Asian shipowning industries. Between annual ASF meetings, the ongoing work is carried out by the five Standing Committees; the Shipping Economics Review Committee, the Seafarers Committee, the Ship Recycling Committee, the Safe Navigation and Environment Committee, and the Ship Insurance and Liability Committee.

It has been estimated that ASF owners and managers control and operate nearly 50% of the world’s cargo carrying fleet.

For details, please visit http://asianshipowners.org.

About SDSD
SDSD have led the market in high volume messaging, maritime trading, vessel data analysis, business intelligence and secure charter party editor software for more than 25 years. Their solutions are used by ship brokers, owners and ship managers across the globe, who rely on the integrated systems to maintain their competitive edge.

Additionally, SDSD provide commercial and technical-operations software to the Ship Owner, Ship Manager and Ship Operator sectors under the joint venture brand SDSD-Esquire.

SDSD are the developers of ‘Matrix’ and ‘Strategic Dataworks’ software products, and has offices in London, Sofia, Athens, Singapore, Wroclaw and Houston, plus a network of partners across the globe.

For details, please visit www.sdsd.com.

Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia

julie — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 13:24:09 +0000

At the 9th Plenary Session of the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia held on 14 July 2011 in New York, the ASF Secretary General was honoured to have the opportunity to share our grave concerns over the current situation.

The ASF informed the Contact Group about our disappointment at the lack of concrete action and plan by the UN or any country in making headway to eradicate this threat.

While acknowledging the need for capacity building efforts to solve the root cause of the problem which is on land, the ASF also voiced our considered opinion that governments and flag states should deploy effective counter-piracy mechanisms to mitigate the problem. This could be in a form of an UN Peacekeeping Counter Piracy Task Force that would give armed escort, protection and much needed confidence to the hundreds of ships and seafarers plying those high risk areas.

Letter to UN and IMO

julie — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 13:22:45 +0000

On 28 June 2010, the ASF addressed a letter to both Mr E Mitropoulos, Secretary General of IMO, and Mr Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of UN voicing the grave concerns about the situation of piracy and ship hijacks is escalating and spreading beyond the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin into the vast Indian Ocean.

In the letter, the ASF strongly urged the members of UN and IMO to do all they can in their power to counter the state of lawlessness restoring safety of Maritime Navigation in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia. A list of possible actions essential for formulating a lasting solution was outlined for the consideration of UN and IMO.

End Piracy Now E-Petition

julie — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 13:18:40 +0000

On 23 June 2010, the ASF joined the coalition of organisations ranging from trade unions to shipowners’ associations and insurers to back a global e-petition aimed at pressuring governments to commit concrete actions to end maritime piracy that is placing seafarers’ lives at risk and threatening the international shipping and the world trade.

The e-petition campaign amassed almost one million signatures which were delivered to the Mr E Mitroupoulos, Secretary General of International Maritime Organisation (IMO), in London on the World Maritime Day, 23 September 2010.

This campaign prompted a response from the United Nations (UN) and Mr Ban Ki Moon, Secretary General of UN, pledging that UN would spare no efforts in tackling piracy.

Press Release of the 20th ASF (23-25 May 2011 Bali, Indonesia)

julie — Tue, 31 May 2011 08:21:53 +0000

10 Anson Road
#28-01A, International Plaza,
Singapore 079903
Tel: (65) 6325 4737 Fax: (65) 6325 4451
General Email: information@asf.com.sg
Website: www.asianshipowners.org

______________________________________
24 May 2011
Bali, Indonesia

PRESS RELEASE

Asian Shipowners express impatience, anger and frustration at the ever-increasing number of attacks on ships and seafarers by Somali pirates.

“Somali Piracy and ship hijackings have become rampant since the collapse of Somalia’s central government more than 20 years ago. It is now time to take effective action and eradicate piracy” declared Mr. Johnson W. Sutjipto, Chairman of the 20th ASF.

The Forum expressed grave concern that the waters off the coast of Somalia have grown increasingly treacherous as hijackings, kidnappings and extortion have proliferated over the past several years, forcing some shipowners to employ armed guards to ensure the safety of their ships and crews.

“It is essential, however”, added Mr. Robert A. Ho, the acting Chairman of the Ship Insurance and Liability Committee, “that the various liabilities, potentially incurred through the carriage of private armed guards on a ship in an attempt to protect its seafarers, are defined. These liabilities should not fall on the master of the ship or the owner, who may have no other option but to consider the employment of armed guards because Governments are unable or unwilling to provide the appropriate security.”

“Pirates were once confined to the waters of the Gulf of Aden and off the Horn of Africa, but with each success, they have grown ever more daring and extended their area of operation. It is high time for all governments, the United Nations and the International Maritime Organisation to come together and put an end to these criminal activities! We cannot tolerate nor allow this to continue any longer,” said Mr. S. S. Teo, Chairman of the Safe Navigation and Environment Committee.

Mr. Yasumi Kudo, Chairman of the Shipping Economics Review Committee emphasised that, “Pirates have apparently concluded that the rewards of hijackings far outweigh the risk of capture and punishment. The cost of organised piracy to global trade, estimated to be 7 to12 billion US dollars per annum1, is simply unsustainable.”

It is reported2 that at 23 May 2011, 26 ships and 522 seafarers were being held hostage off the coast of Somalia, some for extremely lengthy periods. Mr. Li Shanmin, Chairman of the Seafarers Committee, remarked “In recent months there has been an escalation in violence including the murder and torture of seafarers. The psychological impact on seafarers and their families, due to seafarers travelling through the high risk area, is not something to be taken lightly.”

ASF wholeheartedly agreed to participate in the SaveOurSeafarers (SOS) Campaign, which is aimed at raising public awareness of the piracy problem with the overall objective of increasing governments’ willingness to eradicate piracy.

The ASF furthermore is concerned about the lack of respect for seafarers shown by some governments. This lack of respect manifests itself in both the unfair treatment given to seafarers following a maritime accident, particularly if it involves the environment, as well as the difficulties that seafarers face in trying to obtain shore leave in many parts of the world.

“It is clear”, said Mr. Ho, “that seafarers are being judged before trial by the environmental or economic damage that has been caused. Normal and internationally accepted standards are that the seafarer should be presumed innocent before being proven guilty and criminal sanctions should only be used in case of proven gross negligence, deliberate acts or intent.”

Mr. Li added, “Seafarers are now being denied shore leave, and are unable to join or leave ships, in many parts of the world due to overly complex and impossible visa requirements.” One example discussed by the Forum was the Schengen Borders Code and the Visa Code of the European Union, which, despite clear guidelines issued by the Commission, are not being implemented consistently in a manner that facilitates the movement of seafarers: the essential global workers.

On another note, Asian shipowners, as major players in the global shipping industry, recognise the important role they can play in promoting safer and more environmentally sound ship recycling.

Mr. Bronson Hsieh, Chairman of the Ship Recycling Committee, remarked, “Guidelines for the implementation of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships 2009 are now being developed by the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC).” He added, “Five countries, France, Netherlands, Italy, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Turkey, have signed the Convention as of March 2011, therefore the governments of major ship recycling countries should start considering ratification of the Convention.”

Mr. Kudo added his view that “Carriers continue to experience rising bunker costs in the Trans-Pacific container trade in difficult market conditions. The failure of carriers to adequately recover costs in this trade should be of concern to the entire trading community. Over time, this situation could impact the ability of carriers to make the continued investments needed to carry ever growing trade volumes.”

With regards to the proposed changes to accounting standards on leases under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), the Forum made its position clear that time-charter contracts should not be accounted as leases.

Deepest sympathies were expressed by ASF Delegates for victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. With regards to the radiation emissions from the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant, Mr. Koji Miyahara, the President of the Japanese Shipowners’ Association, emphasised “We request parties concerned not to take any action based on groundless rumours, but on complete and rational assessment of official and accurate information released by such authorities as the Japanese government and the IMO, in order to minimize the disruption to the restoration work in Japan and ensure smooth operations in our shipping industry”.

Mr. Noel Hart, Chairman of Australian Shipowners Association, has been elected as the Chairman of the 21st ASF. Mr. S. Hajara, President of Indian National Shipowners’ Association, has been elected as the Vice-Chairman of the 21st ASF. Their terms of office shall begin from 25 May 2011 until the next ASF Annual General Meeting in 2012.

1. ‘The Economic Cost of Piracy’, Oceans Beyond Piracy.
2. ICC IMB Piracy Reporting Centre.

* * * * *

For further information, please contact Yuichi Sonoda, Secretary General of the Asian Shipowners’ Forum, at the contact address shown in the header. Please also visit ASF’s website www.asianshipowners.org.

Notes
The Asian Shipowners’ Forum (ASF) is a voluntary organisation of shipowner associations and its aim is to promote the interests of the Asian shipping industry. It is estimated that the ASF represents about 50% of the world’s cargo carrying fleet.

The ASF consists of the following 8 members:
Australian Shipowners Association (ASA)
China Shipowners’ Association (CSA)
Federation of ASEAN Shipowners’ Associations* (FASA)
Hong Kong Shipowners Association (HKSOA)
Indian National Shipowners’ Association (INSA)
Japanese Shipowners’ Association (JSA)
Korea Shipowners’ Association (KSA)
National Association of Chinese Shipowners (NACS)

*FASA is composed of:
Filipino Shipowners’ Association (FASA-FSA)
Indonesian National Shipowners’ Association (FASA-INSA)
Malaysian Shipowners’ Association (FASA-MASA)
Myanmar Five Star Line (FASA-MFSL)
Singapore Shipping Association (FASA-SSA)
Thai Shipowners’ Association (FASA-TSA)
Vietnam Shipowners’ Association (FASA-VSA)

Between the ASF AGMs, the ongoing work is carried out by the five Standing Committees;
Seafarers Committee (SC)
Shipping Economics Review Committee (SERC)
Ship Insurance and Liability Committee (SILC)
Safe Navigation and Environment Committee (SNEC)
Ship Recycling Committee (SRC)

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20th ASF AGM Bali-Indonesia 23 to 25 May 2011

julie — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 00:58:51 +0000

20th ASF AGM Bali-Indonesia 23 to 25 May 2011