Many International shipping Lines are considering the use of armed maritime security while plying the Piracy infested Somali Waters and just recently Maersk Line, CMA CGM and MSC decided to unite to draw attention to the continued threat of piracy. The carriers intend to swap ideas about how best to tackle the problem, which is likely to worsen as the monsoon season comes to an end.
With no sign that piracy attacks are likely to recede, the three lines are hoping their combined voice will send out a clear message that more needs to be done to safeguard commercial shipping lanes. Maersk Line, MSC and CMA CGM also said that co-operation would include information exchange on safety measures, piracy policies and procedures as well as co-ordination to ensure the issue is addressed with all relevant stakeholders.
“Piracy continues to be a problem for the shipping industry and if we want to address it effectively, we as shipowners must co-operate,” the trio stated. Other lines will be welcome to join the initiative.
Maersk Line, being one of the biggest in the world has repeatedly been opposed to armed personnel on its ships while MSC is reviewing the situation after several piracy incidents.
“We do not have armed guards at the moment but we are considering their use, to protect our crew, the ship and the cargo,” MSC assistant operations manager Pasquale Ferraro said.
The three shipping Lines have also called for other steps to be taken, including creation of an effective regional coast guard and possible transit corridors to East Africa.
This comes as private armed security are already available at Mombasa and Durban catering for dozen of small Ship owners who are greatly at the risk of the Somali pirates who have increased their hijacking during this end of monsoon. If you need Maritime security escort at either Mombasa or Durban, please do not hesitate to write us an email at africanshippingdubai@gmail.com
Sean Woollerson, a senior partner with Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group JLT, a firm that insures 14 per cent of the world’s commercial shipping fleet, told The Independent newspaper recently, “We are looking at setting up a private navy to escort vessels through the danger zones. We would have armed personnel with fast boats escorting ships and make it very clear to any Somali vessels in the vicinity that they are entering a protected area.
“At the moment there is a disconnect between the private security sector and the international naval force. We think we can help remedy that and place this force under the control of the multi-national force. We look after about 5,000 ships and have had 10 vessels taken in total, including a seizure where one crew member was shot and killed. Piracy is a serious problem, these are criminals basically extorting funds, so why not do something more proactive?” he says
Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group (JLT) says the unprecedented “private navy” would work under the direct control of the military with clear rules of engagement valid under international law. Early discussions have also been held with the Ministry of Defence, the Department of Transport and the Foreign Office.
