New routing proposal in Moz channel draws strong criticism

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) - which represents global shipowners and 80% of the world merchant fleet - is opposing a proposal to establish a new recommended route for all ships in the Mozambique Channel that would be approximately 1 000 miles long. The ICS is putting forward its case at a meeting of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) sub-committee on safety of navigation currently under way in the UK. The proposal has been made by Comoros, France, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, the Seychelles, South Africa and Tanzania, having been given impetus by work conducted by the World Bank. ICS director marine, John Murray commented: “ICS is very concerned this proposal for a new recommended route in international waters which will result in all vessels following the same proposed track. This will increase the risk of collision to the hundreds of ships that would be using the scheme at any one time, particularly given the current lack of Vessel Traffic Services in the region. The concept could also set an unwelcome precedent for the management of deep sea navigation elsewhere, and will require very careful consideration by IMO. “The compelling need for this proposed measure remains unclear and no statistical evidence has been provided regarding shipping casualties or near misses in the Mozambique Channel. This omission makes it particularly difficult to quantify the anticipated benefit that the proposal would deliver.” The main aim of the proposal is reported to be a reduction to the risk of collision and grounding in the Mozambique Channel. However, despite vessels favouring certain routes, shipping currently is free to use the entire width of the Channel, which is in international waters. The proposed measure would seek to concentrate shipping into very restricted lanes and could potentially increase the risk of collision. Referring to the issue of piracy, Murray said: “Piracy of course is a major problem in this region, and the implications to safety and security of introducing such a routing measure, in effect bunching ships together as they enter a high risk area, have also not been addressed by its supporters.” ICS is co-ordinating with its member national shipowner’s associations to ensure that governments attending the IMO meeting will seriously question the proposal.