In light of the hijacking of Maersk Alabama and hostage-taking of Captain Richard Phillips, who was successfully freed by the US navy, the A.P. Moller-Maersk Group once again calls on the international community to find a solution to the problem of piracy.
The A.P. Moller-Maersk Group reiterates its appeal to the international community, which must come together to find a solution to the problem of piracy. Piracy is a threat to important international trade lanes and therefore an international security issue. “This is not a problem the A.P. Moller-Maersk Group or the shipping industry can or should solve alone,” says Søren Skou, A.P. Moller-Maersk Group Partner and Maersk Tanker CEO.
Problem Remains
The company provides its crews with detailed safety and security instructions, and emphasises the importance of exercising vigilance when sailing in the areas of piracy risk. Still, the piracy situation around Somalia is very dynamic. “While the naval presence in the Gulf of Aden has been successful in deterring attacks there, the pirates still remain a threat to crews and vessels in the area and elsewhere. The problem has not gone away,” says Søren Skou.
Reviewing Policies
The company is making a thorough investigation of recent events and will review its policies and procedures for sailing off the coast of Somalia and take appropriate action. The A.P. Moller-Maersk Group is also examining routes and vessel assignments in the area off the coast of Somalia.
