The Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has visited air-defence and command frigate Hr Ms De Ruyter to experience how the navy fights pirates. Minister of Defence Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert and Chief of Defence General Tom Middendorp accompanies the Prime Minister at sea near East-Africa.
Since the navy's presence here, the number of hijackings and kidnappings has decreased substantially. Up to 2010 there were approximately 40 hijackings. Since May 2012 none have been added to this number. Over 1100 suspects and pirates have been handed over to be prosecuted.
Safe Trade
Rutte: 'We all benefit from these results. Every year, between 20,000 and 30,000 large cargo ships pass the Gulf of Aden, a large part of which is headed to the Port of Rotterdam. About 450 ships sail under the Dutch flag. By fighting pirates and accompanying vessels, we do not only protect crews, but we also safeguard international trade. It is not something that does not affect us. Dutch soldiers do a great job off the coast of Somalia.'
Saving Money
According to Minister Hennis it should be said that fighting pirates save money for the Dutch citizen. 'Products such as clothes, cell phones and televisions, which travel to the Netherlands by sea, would definitely be more expensive if they were to travel a much longer route just because it is safer.'
Fighting Piracy at the Base
The international approach to piracy goes much further. Rutte: 'Piracy starts ashore. That is why we try to fight piracy at the base as well. Right now, the Netherlands has sent nine people to participate in a European mission of 125 people that help Somalia to fight piracy themselves, including creating the required justice department. Over 2000 people have been trained so far. Stability in Somalia is the only long-term solution to piracy.'
Food Tranpsorts
Currently, there are two anti-piracy missions in the waters around Somalia: The NATO mission Ocean Shield and the European Union mission Atalanta, in which the De Ruyter participates. Participating countries protect international merchant shipping and UN humanitary food transports.
Participating in Ocean Shield
Starting next month and up to August, the frigate Hr. Ms. Van Speijk will be deployed in the operation Ocean Shield. Subsequently, from August to December, the frigate Hr. Ms. Johan de Wit will take its place. From this amfibian transport ship, the Netherlands also commands the EU operation Atalanta.
Picture: Rutte onboard Hr. Ms. De Ruyter
