MSR Weekly Newsletter, December 22nd

Welcome to our final newsletter of the year. And it's been an interesting one, without a doubt. We close the year with more piracy news, unfortunately. In Nigeria, the Navy has rescued a second group of Chinese fishing boat crew, while the government has inched towards bringing piracy law into force again. It's hard to believe that the country, plagued by piracy for so many years, still has nothing effective on the statute books. 
In the Indian Ocean, the suspected pirates picked up by EUNAVFOR recently have now been charged in the Seychelles and face up to 30 years in prison. Staying in the region, Iran has announced its desire for aircraft carriers, which will delight its neighbours and the US Navy, I'm sure…
In Europe, the maritime cyber security issue has been raised again, with a company suggesting bulk carriers could be sunk by hackers. While this sort of act is always a potential concern, the industry itself has been quick to point out the many checks and balances which would prevent such an occurrence. Personally, I'd rather see more done to upgrade and safeguard shoreside systems, because that's where the money is.
We end with news that six of the Royal Navy's Type 45 destroyers are currently docked in the UK. Not a good look for what was billed as 'The Year of the Navy'. 
I would like to take this opportunity for thanking readers for sticking with us throughout the year. From all at Maritime Security Review, may you have a very peaceful, happy festive season, however you mark the occasion.  

Regards,