Ιnstructions to inform interested parties how to prevent and handle drug trafficking after observing a large increase in fines associated with drug trafficking cases, and the increasing liabilities that could be imposed.
Three actual incidents of armed robbery against ships (one CAT 2 and two CAT 3), and one attempted incident in Asia were reported between 18 – 24 July.
Of the four incidents, two incidents occurred to bulk carriers while underway in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS), and two incidents on board a tanker and a chemical tanker while anchored at Batam Anchorage and Dumai Port, Inner Anchorage respectively.
On 23 June 2023 the EU Council adopted the 11th package of economic sanctions against Russia to prevent their circumvention and further erode Russia’s revenues, includes a port ban to tackle illegal transfers.
When the vessel is expected to remain at anchorage for a long period then this may cause the anchor or its chain to get fouled or to be dragged, which could potentially lead to collision or grounding.