World Piracy Report
International security and risk mitigation company AKE has published its latest monthly piracy report.
AKE Publishes World Piracy Report
International security and risk mitigation company AKE has published its latest monthly piracy report.
AKE’s maritime analyst Rory Lamrock warned that hijackings were likely to rise over the coming weeks. “The Indian Ocean Monsoon will draw to a close by the end of the month, which will make it easier for pirates to travel out into open waters and attack vessels.”
Speaking at the high profile Offshore Europe oil and gas conference in Aberdeen, Lamrock also warned that shipping interests associated with the oil and gas sector were as much at risk as anyone else.
“Pirates have demonstrated their intent to attack all types of vessels, from private yachts to Very Large Crude Carriers. Oil tankers in particular are an attractive target because they tend to result in a higher than normal ransom sum when they are eventually freed.”
The report findings also indicate that there was an overall decline in pirate activity off East Africa over the course of August, due largely to the ongoing monsoon in the Indian Ocean.
Elsewhere in the world, Southeast Asia and Latin America both saw a rise in reported attacks, as incidents of opportunistic theft continue to occur.
According to Andrew Kain, the CEO of AKE, vessels need to ensure security self-sufficiency when transiting waters afflicted by piracy.
“While naval warships are patrolling the Gulf of Aden the reality is that they cannot protect every vessel from attack.”
“They are also very concentrated in a small body of water, whereas Somali pirates are active in the wider Indian Ocean. It would be impossible to patrol such a large area effectively.”Vessel operators need to take measures to protect their own ships, crew and cargo, according to Kain. Precautions such as crew training, barbed fire fences and the use of citadels or safe-rooms are all recommended to make it as difficult as possible for pirates to gain access to the bridge and crew.
AKE produces regular updates on worldwide piracy. If you would like a free trial or If you would like to order a copy of the latest AKE piracy report please email us: deutschland@akegroup
