BMP4 was withdrawn in June 2018 and replaced by BMP5: Best Management Practices to Deter Piracy and Enhance Maritime Security in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea.

BMP4, which was developed by ICS and other shipping industry organisations, in cooperation with military navies, provided Best Management Practices (BMPs) to help companies and ships avoid becoming victims of piracy in the Gulf of Aden, off the Coast of Somalia and in the Western Indian Ocean. It offered specific, practical advice for companies in order to avoid, deter, or delay pirate attacks, and was strongly supported by a broad coalition of industry and intergovernmental organisations.