Horizon Lines Participates in Anti-Piracy Testing

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

31 Aug 2009

Horizon Lines, Inc., the nation's leading domestic ocean shipping and integrated logistics company, recently participated in two separate anti-piracy system trials in an effort to better protect the lives of merchant mariners. In late July, International Maritime Security Network, LLC (IMSN) conducted safety drills and anti-piracy testing aboard the HORIZON CRUSADER, while the ship docked in Orange, TX. IMSN completed a test of the 'Triton Shield APS' system of deterrence and training. Included in the system drill were deterrent measures for approaching vessels, physical deterrents for potential unlawful boarders, security and fortification for the crew, and mitigating risk of penetration of the safe area. Training and education of key stakeholders was also conducted. Along with Horizon Lines' vessel operations teams, members of the Marine Engineer's Beneficial Association, Seafarer's International Union of North America, International Organization of Masters, Mates, and Pilots, U.S. Coast Guard and Port of Orange Port Authorities were in attendance.
Cpt. Ralph H. Pundt, Co-founder of IMSN, LLC said, "The success or failure of any system is being able to test it in the field under normal working conditions. Horizon Lines' willingness to allow International Maritime Security Network, LLC to work aboard their vessels and with their crew has been paramount in helping us understand the challenges and limitations we will be facing. Based on this cooperation we have adjusted our system to adapt to the vessels' conditions, this would not be possible without the support of proactive shipping companies like Horizon Lines." He continued, "We could not have asked more from a shipping company as we work together to meet the challenges of protecting our fellow seafarers."
On August 11th, the vessel HORIZON CHALLENGER currently in reserve status and docked in Bayonne, NJ, was the site of the SAFE Solutions, LLC drill of their 'Nemesis 5000' anti-piracy technology. The Nemesis 5000 is described as a non-lethal, high pressure water system which integrates with a vessel's existing fire suppression system to prevent unauthorized boarding of the ship.
"We aim to give vessel operators effective and practical non-lethal solutions which protect the crew and the cargo against the ever-increasing threat of piracy," said Hector J. Delgado, Principal of SAFE Solutions, LLC, located in Deerfield Beach, FL. "The demonstration, which far exceeded our expectations, was only possible due to the generous efforts of Horizon Lines."
Charles G. Raymond, Chairman, President & CEO, Horizon Lines Inc. said of the anti-piracy testing, "While Horizon Lines has never encountered any threats of piracy in the lanes we serve; we made it a priority to have two vessels available, along with our support staff and vessel operations experts to participate in these trials."
He continued, "While containerships have more speed and maneuverability than tug and barge operations, we need to find solutions that can be applied to all commercial carriers. It's critical to share new ideas, technology and experience because a risk to any mariner at sea is a risk to all of us."
Horizon Lines operates containerships serving the domestic ocean shipping needs between the U.S. and Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and Puerto Rico.

Source: Horizon Lines