MARITIME SECURITY WILL REQUIRE JOINT EFFORT: DR NG

In this volatile era of geopolitical security, terrorism is fast becoming a threat that requires greater effort to combat.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX) Asia 2007, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen emphasised the need for "cross-agency, cross-boundary and cross-territorial cooperation and effort".

To this end, the formation of the Accompanying Sea Security Teams (ASSeTs) in Singapore is a significant step in the right direction.

Made up of personnel from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Police Coast Guard, ASSeTs provide "additional security and deterrence on board high-value assets" as they pass through Singapore.

But while individual countries can take specific domestic measures to safeguard shipping, to truly ensure maritime security would require "comprehensive and cohesive cross-border collaboration at the bilateral and multilateral levels".

In 1995, global maritime trade was 4.8 billion tonnes. This figure went up to a staggering 7.11 billion tonnes in 2005. The monumental increase shows no signs of letting up.

With more than 80 per cent of the world's trade travelling by water as well as half of the world's trade by value, and 90 per cent of general cargo transported in containers, Dr Ng noted that "nations will always be dependent on the oceans for global commerce".

Hence, to prevent disruption to the global supply chains, navies all around the world will increasingly be called upon to shoulder the responsibility of responding to contingencies and crises.

Of vital importance is the need to "pool our knowledge, perspectives and experiences and exchange intelligence continuously".
"At the same time, combined training and exercises have to be enhanced," said Dr Ng. "Such practical measures will help strengthen and deepen the regional as well as international links that may prove to be critical in our ability to mount a comprehensive and decisive response to maritime emergencies".

This is formalised in the Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS), amongst others. In conjunction with IMDEX Asia 2007, the 18-member navies of the WPNS will be participating in the 2nd Multilateral Sea Exercise, and related activities such as the Multilateral Tactical Training Centre Exercise and Maritime Security Information Exchange Seminar.

Dr Ng lauded IMDEX Asia 2007 as an "excellent opportunity to collectively evaluate the latest maritime defence technology, platform designs and developments".

IMDEX Asia 2007 brings together 37 navies and maritime enforcement agencies as well as 136 exhibitors from all over the world. The biennial exhibition will be held from 15 to 18 May at the Singapore Expo.