International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has removed the Indian Ocean from the list of High-Risk Areas (HRA) giving a significant boost to trade for Kenya and the wider Eastern African region.
The decision was communicated during the 106th session of the Maritime Safety Committee at the International Maritime Organization in London. This is the UN agency responsible for the safety and security of shipping, by the Best Management Practice. It consists of the five largest global shipping industry associations.
Read also: Biggest Street Cred in Kenya is Having Your Name Branded on a Matatu
In 2010, at the height of the Somali piracy threat, the Indian Ocean was classified as a high-risk area (HRA) to protect ship owners, operators, and seafarers from plying routes patrolled by pirates.
Kenya was initially paying high insurance bills for goods to Shipping lines.
Withdrawal from the high-risk areas will be effective from January 2023.
“The discontinuation of the Indian Ocean as a High-Risk Area will save businesses billions of shillings in insurance fees, ultimately lowering the prices of goods in Kenya and the wider eastern African region,” said Kenya’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organisation Amb. Manoah Esipisu.
Read also: Nairobi Ranks Ahead of London in Global Ranking
Reduction of piracy attacks within the Ocean has been recorded over the past years. This is what has made the Ocean be removed from the high-risk areas zone.
No piracy attacks against merchant ships have occurred off Somalia since 2018, according to the International Chamber of Shipping.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel at Switch TV.
The Kenyan government also deployed security to the Ocean to avoid piracy cases in the country.
The Kenyan tourism sector will also get a boost, especially during this festive season as many tourists visit Kenya for the hot temperatures.
The Indian Ocean provides a great maritime space and sea lanes that connect the great economies of the West and East.
