Transit corridor in Gulf of Aden to keep pirates at bay

10 March 2009 20:15  [Source: ICIS news]

LONDON (ICIS news)--A transit corridor has been successfully set up by the coalition task force in the Gulf of Aden, Commander Gerry Northwood said on Tuesday at the Navigate Product and Chemical Tanker conference.

“The transit corridor has made it more difficult for pirates looking to intercept cargoes in the region,” he said.

The tactic of using a convoy of vessels is not being deployed as it would leave more potential targets for pirates, he added. 

However, there is a stark warning to all owners who plan to use the route over the coming months.

“As the weather improves and there are more full moons, there is likely to be a surge of attacks,” Northwood said.

To help combat the upsurge in pirate activity, Fexweb will be set up at the end of March, which allows ship owners to stay in direct communication with military personnel.

According to the International Maritime Organisation, there are currently six vessels being held in Somalia.

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By: Dan Horlock
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