Asia has become the centre of gravity for global oil, gas and coal markets. At the same time the maritime security environment in Asia is being challenged by increasing tensions, strategic competition and the long-term redistribution of power brought about by the rise of China. The security of seaborne energy imports is a significant theme of the Asian security debate.
Dr Pierre Noël presented the key findings of an IISS research project looking at the economic implications of maritime insecurity in the Middle East (Arab-Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz) and Southeast Asia (Strait of Malacca and South China Sea). He focused on the additional insurance costs in different insecurity scenarios, and the economic value of pipeline systems that reduce the exposure of Asia’s energy importers to maritime insecurity.
Dr Pierre Noël is the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Senior Fellow for Economic and Energy Security, based at IISS-Asia in Singapore. He is responsible for research into international energy markets (mainly oil and gas) and the intersections between energy and foreign policies.
The meeting was chaired by Dr Dana Allin, IISS Senior Fellow for US Foreign Policy and Transatlantic Affairs, and took place at the IISS in London.