Figures showing a reduction in Somalian piracy mask the threat that plagues the Gulf of Aden

Somalian piracy still poses a significant threat as numbers remain high and criminals remain heavily armed, say experts.

While International Maritime Bureau (IMB) statistics covering the 2012 depict a reduction in Somalian piracy, now relegating the country to second place in number of acts of overall piracy, the Danger faced from Somalian Pirates in the Gulf of Aden are as potent as ever. The country’s pirates are still responsible for around 2/3 of the world’s hijackings, and attack more steaming ships than any other pirates in the world.

According to maritime security experts Typhon, the statistics that show a fall in the region are somewhat misleading. With the cost of piracy to business rocketing, companies are now finding ways to avoid the costly reporting process that takes place when an act of piracy has been endured.

Ant Sharp, CEO of Typhon Maritime Security explained, “Ships who report acts of piracy are then required to dock for long periods lasting up to a year to undergo investigation. This means severe disruption at a high cost to ships carrying valuable cargo. A third of the ships hit by pirates are tankers carrying crude oil or chemical products.

“Added on to these delays is the hike in insurance premiums then suffered by the shipping company, who see their profits hit from two angles despite being the victims. This has lead to a situation where if an act of piracy takes place where no injury or heavy duty damage is sustained, it is becoming an increasingly common practice to deal with the incident internally.”

Added to this issue, is that even organisations showing a decrease in piracy in the area acknowledge the importance of the anti-piracy measures undertaken by Navies. The IMB explains the ‘vital presence’ of navies, and the increase in piracy that would result in its withdrawal. This warning comes simultaneously with the news that several of the worlds leading navies are likely to be withdrawing or reducing their anti-piracy measures in the area.

“It is undisputable that the imminent reduction of Naval presence around the Gulf of Aden will quickly result in increased levels of piracy. Typhon’s unique model will fill the void left by naval withdrawals as we offer a convoy system that will avoid many of the dangers associated with on board armed guards. Supported by on-shore surveillance and a mothership, fast patrol boats will meet and greet pirate ships before they reach the convoy, removing the risk of ships taking fire. As piracy diversifies, we will also offer off shore protection to rigs and port protection.”

ABOUT TYPHON

Typhon is the first naval-grade private convoy protection for 220 years.

The company’s mother-ship, marines and fast patrol boats carry a satellite-led early warning system (‘ATLAS’) detecting potential threats at long range.

Typhon is operated by senior ex-RN and RM officers, with the backing of two major international shipping companies.

The board includes Simon Murray CBE, General Lord Dannatt, General Deverell and Admiral Ulrich (USN 4*).

Typhon’s fully Integrated Protection Model reduces shippers’ risks and costs.

The post Unreported acts of piracy distort overall figures appeared first on Core Sector Communique.

A new drive to tackle pirates shows the threat they cause is still prevalent, says maritime security company, Typhon.

As a new multinational agency launches to reduce piracy, maritime security firm Typhon warns that the spread of the problem is a major issue that is damaging world trade.

The Regional Anti-Piracy Prosecution & Intelligence Coordination Centre (RAPPICC), a multinational agency based in the Seychelles and largely funded by the UK government, has launched with the aim of targeting the leaders of piracy groups. The initiative launched amid worries about inadequate protection from maritime crime with the expected withdrawal of EUNAFOR naval presence from the Gulf of Aden in 2014.

Typhon, which has launched its own offensive in the global struggle against maritime crime, says there is a very real problem faced by the shipping trade today. While Typhon offers protection around the infamous coast of Somalia, CEO Anthony Sharp, is quick to point out that this hotspot is not the only area where the shipping industry is at risk. He also alludes to the repercussions being felt around the world following international instability.

He said, “Although experts are now coming together to discuss key issues, what businesses need now is practical on the ground support that helps them navigate what can be very dangerous stretches of water. Business confidence is becoming severely affected, not just by Somalian piracy, but events like those taking place in a number of politically unstable geographies along key shipping routes. Regardless of the cause of unrest, the upshot is always detrimental to the growth of international trade, which in an increasingly global marketplace is a worry. There has been a rise in geopolitical uncertainty and instability that has to be countered with the free flow of goods, particularly with sea-bound transportation.

“The companies we deal with are concerned about whether they can receive a safe passage through increasingly dangerous waters. This is especially critical for those involved in the shipping of valuable cargo such as oil, whereby damage to cargo or significant delays can have huge implications further along the supply chain. Shipments have been known to get held up as a result of piracy but also through other maritime crime and conflicts.”

According to studies quantifying the cost of piracy conducted by One Earth Future (OEF) Foundation, piracy is costing the global economy between $7-12 billion per year, and the global cost of Somali piracy is between $6.6 and $6.9 billion per year. There are currently over a hundred hostages being held by pirates.

“Governments have stepped up safeguards, particularly in areas where there are oil rich reserves. The enquiries we’ve had from governments and companies looking to restore stability display the real need for effective private protection. It’s imperative that they have the means through which they can reduce the risk of being targeted, which will enable a more robust and reliable method of international shipping.”

ABOUT TYPHON

Typhon is the first naval-grade private convoy protection for 220 years.

The company’s mother-ship, marines and fast patrol boats carry a satellite-led early warning system (‘ATLAS’) detecting potential threats at long range.

Typhon is operated by senior ex-RN and RM officers, with the backing of two major international shipping companies.

The board includes Simon Murray CBE, General Lord Dannatt, General Deverell and Admiral Ulrich (USN 4*).

Typhon’s fully Integrated Protection Model reduces shippers’ risks and costs.

The post Typhon offers frontline protection as piracy king pins targeted by government appeared first on Core Sector Communique.