MPA of Singapore Issues Guidance for Ships Operating the Gulf of Aden-Group Transits

Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Shipping Circular is applicable for the attention of ship owners, managers, operators, agents, masters, crew members and surveyors.

1. MPA’s Shipping Circular No. 25 of 2008 had provided advice to shipowners, managers and operators who have Singapore-registered ships transiting the Gulf of Aden to make use of the Maritime Security Patrol Area (MSPA) established by the UK Royal Maritime Trade Operations team (UKMTO);

2. The Council of the European Union had recently adopted the decision on the launch of its military operation in order to contribute to the deterrence, prevention and repression of acts of piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast. The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Anti Piracy Operation off the coast of Somalia, code-named Operation “ATALANTA” was formally launched on 8 Dec 08 in support of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions 1814 (2008), 1816 (2008), 1838 (2008) and 1846 (2008). This operation is established for a period of 12 months, and will complete the following specific tasks during period of the operation:

• The protection of vessels of the WFP (World Food Programme) delivering food aid to displaced persons in Somalia;
• The protection of vulnerable vessels cruising off the Somali coast;
• The deterrence, prevention and repression of acts of piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast.

3. More information on Operation “ATALANTA” and its various initiatives in providing support and protection to mariners passing through the Gulf of Aden, the Somali Basin and off the Horn of Africa can be found in the Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) website http://www.mschoa.eu. Shipowners, managers and operators who have Singapore-registered ships transiting these areas are strongly encouraged to register with MSCHOA to obtain the situational updates of the areas, as well as to notify MSCHOA of their transit passages through the Gulf of Aden.

Group Transits

4. Of particular note is that a system of Group Transits had been established by the EU NAVFOR for vessels to conduct their passage through the UKMTO MSPA in groups, based on different passage speeds. This process is known as “GOA Group Transits” (GOA GT). In order to achieve this, the position, time, and speed for vessels to pass through a waypoint at the eastern and western limits of the UKMTO Transit Corridor are promulgated in the MSCHOA website http://www.mschoa.eu.

5. Shipowners, managers and operators who have Singapore-registered ships transiting the Gulf of Aden are encouraged to make use of the GOA GT for their vessels’ transits.
6. Any queries relating to this circular should be directed to Mr Wong Kai Cheong (Tel: 6375 6236).