A.P. Moller - Maersk Group reviews internal piracy policy

News was prepared under the information support of Online Daily Newspaper on Hellenic and international Shipping "Hellenic Shipping News".

30 Apr 2009

And requests action from the international community.The A.P. Moller – Maersk Group remains vigilant and constantly monitors the situation in the Gulf  of Aden and the area off the Somali coast. The Group regularly updates its policy and procedures for sailing in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia, based on available civilian and military intelligence as well as best practices recommended by the relevant authorities, maritime and other organisations.
While the Group proceeds with its investigation of the MAERSK ALABAMA hijacking off the coast of Somalia, it has taken action to further boost the safety and security of crews and vessels against piracy.
“We have expanded the area off the coast of Somalia where only vessels with a certain freeboard or capable of sailing certain speeds are allowed to enter,” says A.P. Moller – Maersk Group Partner and Maersk Tankers CEO Søren Skou.
“Vessels should spend as little time in the area as possible, and while in the area sail at maximum speed,” says Søren Skou.
The Group is also examining defensive measures to further boost security onboard our vessels such as making access to the vessel more difficult. For security reasons and the safety of its crews, the Group does not want to provide any specific details on these measures.
The Group gives detailed instructions and procedures to its crews prior to sailing in the area, which includes reviewing safety plans onboard before entering into the area.
The Group reiterates its call on the international community to find a solution to the problem of piracy. Piracy is a threat to important international trade lanes and therefore an international security issue.
While the naval presence in the Gulf of Aden has achieved some success in deterring attacks there, the pirates still remain a threat to crews and vessels in the area and elsewhere.
“We back proposals such as establishing a regional maritime sea patrol to protect vessels in the area from piracy attacks. The nations in the region with the support of the international community must address this problem,” says Søren Skou.
“We also call on the international community to establish a transit corridor, so vessels can safely call ports in Kenya and Tanzania,” says Søren Skou.
Further, the Group welcomes the expected agreement between Denmark, Kenya and other countries to allow legal prosecution of pirates in Kenya.
The problem of piracy cannot and should not be solved by the A.P. Moller – Maersk Group or the shipping industry only. It must be addressed by the international community.
The Group must insist that it is possible for seafarers to do their jobs in a safe and peaceful environment; ensuring the transportation of traded goods around the world.
This is why the Group maintains its policy of not arming crews or allowing armed guards onboard its vessels. Weapons onboard could lead to a dangerous escalation and raise a number of multi-jurisdictional legal issues. However, in certain instances when force protection is government mandated, the Group will work with and comply with government instructions.

Source: A.P. Moller - Maersk Group