Crew Kidnapping Persists Despite Piracy Slowdown -Report
Despite a decline of piracy activity in several high-risk areas, a high threat of crew kidnapping and hijacking remains in Southeast Asia and West Africa, according to a recent report from specialist crisis prevention and response consultancy NYA International. Overall piracy activity in the third quarter of 2016 declined in global hotspots compared to the previous quarter, as Southeast Asia and the East Africa and Indian Ocean High Risk Area (HRA) both saw drops in reported piracy incidents, and West Africa notably experienced a drop in severe incidents such as attacks and hijackings, according to NYA’s Q3 2016 Piracy Assessment. In West Africa, piracy activity in Q3 2016 declined in severity compared to the previous quarter, when 16 attacks and nine hijackings were reported.
Map Shows Kidnap & Piracy Threats
Global risk and crisis management consultancy NYA International today releases its 2016 Kidnap and Piracy Map, accompanied by the Global Kidnap Review, a special report examining kidnap for ransom over 2015 and identifying themes for 2016. Together, the map and report provide a guide on the threats to people and operations worldwide. Intensified civil conflicts in Africa, entrenched criminality in Latin America and the advance of Islamist militancy in spaces worldwide have contributed to “severe” kidnap ratings for 11 countries, up from eight in 2015.
OAA 2013 Are Open for Entries
Following a successful re-launch last year, the Society of Petroleum Engineers Aberdeen Section is again hosting the Offshore Achievement Awards with the support of main sponsor TAQA Bratani. This year will see the ceremony move to the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre to meet the huge demand for spaces at the event in March 2012. Over 70 entries were received for the 2012 awards, which took place at Ardoe House Hotel in Aberdeen in front of around 400 people. Winners included Expro Group, AMEC and 3sun Group, with Professor Alex Kemp picking up the Lifetime Achievement award.
Offshore Wind Energy – Scotland Could Take Global Lead
Scotland's foremost energy economist to tell “All Energy” Aberdeen conference that plans for a controversial demonstrator wind farm in Aberdeen Bay could enable Scotland to take a global lead in the development of offshore wind energy. According to a 'Scotsman' news report, Donald Trump, who is threatening to pull the plug on his £750 million golf resort development in Aberdeenshire because of the plans for the “monstrous” 11-turbine offshore development, warned First Minister Alex Salmond earlier this month that his drive to establish Scotland as a renewables powerhouse will “single-handedly” destroy the economic wellbeing of Scotland.
