In order to continuously ensure the safety of crews as well as vessels and cargo, A.P. Moller – Maersk has updated the policy for vessels entering the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of East Africa. The update is a consequence of the recent development in piracy hijackings in the area.
Vessels without adequate speed or freeboard will for the time being avoid the Gulf of Aden and seek alternative routing south of the Cape of Good Hope and east of Madagascar. However, based upon availability of escorts these vessels may join naval convoy transit in the Gulf of Aden.
Policy Mainly Affects Tankers
The policy change will primarily impact Maersk’s tanker vessels. Only three container vessels will be affected and we expect to further limit the impact by redeployment.
In general and for vessels entering the Gulf of Aden, Maersk has safety and security procedures in place. They indicated that they continue to monitor the situation and regularly update their procedures and policies.
International Problem
“We believe that piracy in the Gulf of Aden is a threat to important international trade lanes and therefore an international security issue. It must be addressed by relevant authorities and the international community. It is not a problem that A.P. Moller – Maersk or the shipping industry can solve alone,” says Søren Skou, partner and member of the Executive Board in A.P. Moller – Maersk.
