The IFC and Columbia Ship Management (CSM) recently held a ship security drill to exercise company security procedures. CSM has regularly collaborated with the IFC on such drills, including their participation in the IFCs 8th Maritime Information Sharing Exercise (MARISX) in 2023, with the next edition scheduled for May 2025.
During the ship drill, there were active exchanges between the IFC, MDAT-GoG, CSM, and their bulk carrier "Ken Un, simulating a piracy attack followed by a medical emergency in West Africa. The exercise was highly effective in enhancing info sharing processes and operational readiness Of ship's crew and CSM.
Following the drill, the IFC shared lessons from the "success 9" hijacking incident in April 2023, along with best practices to apply in similar situations. Additionally, the I FC provided insights on how regional MARSEC authorities might manage such incidents and how shipping companies can support them.
The exercise was a success with all the training objectives met. The IFC extends its gratitude to Capt Igor Nikolaiev, Company Security Officer of CSM, and his team for inviting the IFC to participate in the drill. The IFC looks forward to continued collaboration with CSM to strengthen ship security in the region.