Shipping organisations have joined forces to urge action on the increasing threat of piracy off West Africa.

Owners, flag states and agencies from the region met at the IMO in London for a symposium on maritime security.

Grahaeme Henderson, chair of the UK Shipping Defence Advisory Committee and vice president of Shell Shipping & Maritime, told delegates: “Simply put, the high level of piracy and armed robbery attacks in the Gulf of Guinea is not acceptable.