The Greek Parliament has ratified the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP), a significant step for Greece’s maritime sector.
The agreement, introduced by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, strengthens international cooperation to address piracy and armed robbery against ships, particularly in Asian waters. Deputy Minister Stefanos Gkikas emphasized that the ratification comes at a time of global geopolitical uncertainty, with conflicts and instability, especially in the Middle East, affecting maritime transport, global trade flows, and economic stability.
ReCAAP (Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia) is the first regional government-to-government agreement to promote cooperation against sea piracy, in force since 2006. It operates an Information Sharing Centre (ISC) in Singapore to facilitate information sharing, capacity building, and cooperative arrangements among its member states.
Gkikas highlighted that maritime security is directly linked to Greece’s national economy, employment, and the safety of Greek seafarers. Piracy and armed robbery against ships remain evolving threats, particularly in Southeast Asia and West Africa, often taking advantage of political instability and security gaps.
By joining ReCAAP, Greece will participate in its Information Sharing Centre, which collects and distributes reliable data on piracy incidents, improving international coordination and prevention.
The government also pointed to a recent rise in incidents: global cases of piracy and armed robbery increased from 116 in 2024 to 137 in 2025, with many occurring near Singapore. Several of these involved Greek-owned vessels, highlighting the relevance for Greece’s shipping industry.
Officials argued that joining ReCAAP will enhance maritime safety, protect human life at sea, and safeguard Greece’s shipping interests during a particularly uncertain global period.
More than 20 countries have already ratified ReCAAP, including major European maritime nations such as Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Australia.