Asia/Pacific News
Singapore: MPA Reaffirms ReCAAP's Role in Regional Anti-Piracy Efforts
Marking the 10th Governing Council meeting of the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery (ReCAAP), the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) Thursday reaffirmed its support for ReCAAP, highlighting the "instrumental role" the organisation has played in addressing piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia.
The MPA, host to the ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre (ISC), notes that ReCAAP's membership has risen from 14 contracting parties in 2006 to 20 this year, a development that the MPA says is a testament to the organisation's persisting relevance and importance in the region's efforts in anti-piracy.
"Over the last 10 years, ReCAAP has achieved significant progress as a regional centre for information sharing, and continues to play a critical role in promoting and enhancing regional cooperation in combating piracy and armed robbery against ships," said Andrew Tan, MPA CEO and Singapore's Governor to the ReCAAP Governing Council .
"Singapore will continue to invest in efforts to enhance the safety and security of waterways in the region. MPA will continue safety broadcasts to ships transiting the Singapore Strait, strengthen inter-agency coordination for timely response to incidents, and bolster cooperation with regional governments and the international maritime community."
The MPA says Singapore will continue its work with ReCAAP and relevant partners in order to further secure its roles as a centre of excellence for information sharing within the region, as well as to enhance its capacities within its three established pillars: information sharing, capacity building, and co-operative arrangements.
Khaw Boon Wan, Singapore's Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and for Transport, is said to be joining high level representatives from ReCAAP's contracting parties for deliberation and endorsement of a joint statement at ReCAAP's High Level Ministerial Meeting, which is set for March 18.
The joint statement is said to set out ReCAAP ISC's goals for the next decade, highlighting the contracting parties' continued commitment to "contribute to safe and secure waterways in Asia for international maritime commerce."
MPA says that the High Level Ministerial Meeting will also see the official launch of ReCAAP's Commemorative Publication, highlighting achievements and challenges faced by ReCAAP over the past decade.
Last week, Ship & Bunker reported that ReCAPP ICS' latest report showed that piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asian waters continued its decline in February 2016, noting that the month had the lowest number of incidents reported during February 2015 to February 2016 period.
