About the Joint War Committee
The Joint War Committee (JWC) comprises underwriting representatives from both the Lloyd’s and IUA company markets, representing the interests of those who write marine hull war business in the London market. It usually meets quarterly; also see Committee Terms of Reference.
Listed Areas
The current Listed Areas are detailed in JWLA022. These were reviewed by the JWC in December 2015.
Nigeria
Last years' NNGC ban on 113 tankers was rescinded and a license system brought in as part of a central government drive to reduce corruption.
Hormuz
The enmity between Iran and Saudi Arabia continues to create tensions as the Saudis believe Iran is trying to control strategic waterways. Whilst a deal has been on sanctions, restrictions on US persons remain, so underwriters will need to maintain their current procedures and vigilance.
Situation in Yemen
Hostilities ongoing in many areas - accurate details not available. Iran and Saudi Arabia are effectively in a proxy conflict.
Foreign vessels are currently forbidden from entering Yemeni waters. Yemen does not have an effective navy of their own, so the Egyptian and Saudi navies have been mandated to enforce this. There are entry procedures for vessels to enter Hodeidah or Saleef port - a completed form must be sent to the Yemen Ministry of Transport, now based in Jeddah. The system works but needs much effort from concerned parties - there may be some vessels which the coalition will decline to authorise.
The JWC is keeping the region under close review. The JWC's advisers, Herminius (Aegis DS), are very happy to take calls from members on specific issues. Lloyd's Agents office in Aden is in insurgent hands and thus closed.
Lloyd's Agent, Hodeidah reports that the blockade on commercial shipping continues - ports are handling some vessels although permission has to be obtained. Hodeidah is under Houthi control and has been for some months.
Piracy
The area of the Indian Ocean where ships need to be on their guard remains extensive. The military assessment is that although the pirate infrastructure remains in place, their appetite to take ships is reduced. The JWC Listed Area is similar to but not the same as the UKMTO and BMP areas but in part serves a similar purpose, to alert ships to the potential dangers. The US Executive Order effectively requires insurers to contact OFAC should they be involved in a piracy case.
Pirate activity is increased off of Eastern Malaysia and a number of oil cargo seizures have occurred there. Oil cargo seizures have also been a problem in the Gulf of Guinea.
Information
Below is some background on UKMTO Dubai.
Best Management Practice
The current version is BMP4. This version includes details of self-protection measures and a feedback request to masters on the effectiveness of the anti-piracy actions taken by the vessel. Maintaining vigilance, and reporting to UKMTO and MSCHOA are fundamental but only part of what prudent owners should do. It is clearly necessary for adequate training and regular practice to be given to crews to enable them to respond effectively when under attack or threat. Low speed and low freeboard remain factors which significantly increase the vulnerability of ships.
UKHO produced this anti-piracy planning chart for owners and masters.
Somalia background