The IFC and the Asian Shipowners' Association successfully conducted the 43rd Shared Awareness Meeting (SAM) on 16 Feb 2023, with more than 160 participants joining us both physically and virtually.
Thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to the event's success, in particular all the speakers who shared their insights on the latest maritime security (MARSEC) developments and best industry practices.
"SAMs are useful opportunities for all industry and maritime security stakeholders to stay up to date on what's happening around the world, exchange views, and of cos share best practices." - LTC Lester Yong, Head, Information Fusion Centre
"Safe and secure seas begin with a safe and secure international order and naval cooperation here in Asia, and across the globe, set the conditions for this order to thrive." - Mr Yuichi Sonoda, Secretary General of the Asian Shipowners' Association (ASA)
Speakers from the MARSEC agencies briefed on the trend and analysis of the MARSEC situation in various regions: LT Muhammad Danial Bin Matyussof, Brunei ILO presented findings from the IFC Annual Report that was recently released; CAPT Rafael Torrecillas del Prado, Chief of Staff EU NAVFOR Operation Atalanta, shared on the threat assessments in the Gulf of Aden and LCDR Nelson McMillan, UK ILO presented the MARSEC situation in the Gulf of Guinea on behalf of MDAT-GoG. In addition, LCDR Mark Douglas, NZ ILO, demonstrated IFC interactive dashboard, an initiative to continue enhancing the quality of IFC products.
Speakers from the shipping industry also contributed to enhancing MARSEC awareness: Mr Alex Edwards, Senior Analyst from Ambrey shared recommendations to counter MARSEC threats; Mr David Campion, Head of Singapore office and Senior Technical Adviser of ITOPF provided lessons on how we can reduce the impact of environmental damage from a maritime incident and Capt Geoffrey Pearson, General Manager, Global Head of Fleet Security of BW Group shared how they continued to ensure MARSEC after COVID.
For those who couldn't make it, don't worry! We recorded the presentations and discussions, so you can catch up on all the valuable insights that were shared. Stay tuned for more updates and information on our future events. Thank you once again for being a part of this amazing event!