Shipowners organisation Bimco is to develop a new contract to simplify the chartering of security escort vessels (SEVs) as pirate attacks increase off West Africa.

The Danish association said work will begin on the terms this month or in March, bringing together shipowners, private maritime security companies (PMSCs), protection and indemnity clubs and lawyers.

The contract will take the widely used Guardcon form — used when employing security personnel on ships — as a starting point for a standard contract.