(EnergyAsia, May 27 2010, Thursday) --- “Enough is enough!”, says a petition launched on cyberspace last week demanding governments around the world take concrete action to end the increasing problem of Somali-based piracy threatening lives and global trade.

The e-petition www.endpiracypetition.org is backed by an unprecedented coalition of organisations including BIMCO, ICS, IFSMA, IMEC, IPTA, Intercargo, InterManager, International Group of P&I Clubs, INTERTANKO, ISF, ITF, IUMI and SIGTTO as well as national shipowners’ associations and trade unions worldwide.

The centrepiece of a new campaign to persuade all governments to commit necessary resources, the e-petition aims to generate at least half a million signatures to governments by IMO World Maritime Day on September 23 2010.

The e-petition appeals for countries to dedicate significant resources and work to find real solutions to the growing piracy problem; take immediate steps to secure the release and safe return of kidnapped seafarers to their families; and work within the international community to secure a stable and peaceful future for Somalia and its people.

Speaking on behalf of all the signatory associations, Spyros M. Polemis, president of the International Shipping Federation (ISF), said:

“We must encourage all governments to do everything necessary to protect the lives of seafarers who are subject to increasingly violent attacks, with over 1,800 kidnapped in the last two years alone. 90% of world trade is carried by sea and governments have a duty to extend the naval protection being provided - which is currently inadequate - and regain control of the Indian Ocean from a handful of criminals.”

David Cockroft, general secretary of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), said:
“With one click everyone can now make their feelings about piracy known, and then pass the link on to all their colleagues around the world who feel the same. In this way we can signal our belief that it is past time for all governments to do what has to be done to protect seafarers, ships and the goods that they carry and on which we all rely.”