Case Study
Piracy in Gulf of Aden
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Vessel Display 27/04/11
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Case Study
A European shipowner has won a contract for providing services with small vessels in Indian coastal waters. At the moment the company has to avoid using the Gulf of Aden due to the risks related to piracy. The vessels are obliged to take a detour via Cape of Good Hope, which is a heavy strain on the budget.
Although the majority of piracy attacks have taken place in the Gulf of Aden and South of Yemen, the piracy area of operations is geographically spreading north to the waters near Djibouti and east near Oman.
In order to provide a secure passage through this region the vessels can be protected by armed maritime security teams (MST's).
Because of the small size of the vessels and limited space for hosting the MST's, S&S suggests a small team per vessel to ensure 24/7 security on the one hand and to blend into the vessel’s organisation on the other hand. Taking the teams on board will have housing consequences. This may be solved by diminishing the number of crew members and having the teams perform minor additional maritime tasks. Nevertheless in the high risk area maritime security tasks for the MST's always takes precedence.
Team selection in the Netherlands is based on relevant competences and experience. It is very important that the MST's and vessel crews interact well, because spaces on board are confined, privacy is limited and cooperation during high risk passages is essential. Therefore all MST members will adhere to strict social rules and are dedicated to blend in with the culture on board. Furthermore, the teams are trained in applying the rules of engagement (setting out the rules of using force and firearms in accordance with International Law) and in providing maritime security. Best practices and lessons learned of previous maritime security operations will be used to improve the quality of our services on board.
The shipowner can reduce costs for a passage in high risk waters significantly by deploying MST's. Furthermore, the deployment of armed MST's can lead to a considerable reduction in insurance fees.
