ABS, MPA to Collaborate on Maritime R&D
ABS and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) today to promote maritime research and development (R&D) and innovation. Over the next five years, ABS and MPA will collaborate on maritime R&D in the areas of alternative/clean fuel and developing resilient, next-generation port systems. Both parties will also commit to promote and share maritime thought leadership on technology. "For more than 50 years, ABS has been committed to working alongside the MPA…
NATO Disrupts Pirate Mother Ship
NATO disrupts pirate mother ship responsible for the attack on MV Montecristo. Following NATO's successful release of the pirated Italian merchant vessel, MV Montecristo, earlier last week, the naval units contributing to NATO's counter piracy operation succeeded in locating and disrupting the suspected pirate mother ship responsible for the attack. Successful coordination of military assets and information sharing amongst naval units operating in the region made it possible to locate the pirate dhow which was stopped whilst heading towards the Somali coast.
NATO Chief Warns of Increasing Pirate Activity
In the last few days the number of pirate attacks off the coast of Somalia has increased highlighting the fact that now the monsoon is weakening, the pirates are once again ready to attack merchant ships transiting through the Indian Ocean. MC Northwood's Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral Hank Ort (NLD N) states, "in the last few years, it has been the case that come October when the South West monsoon weakens, the pirates have been able to put to sea and we have seen the number of attacks on merchant vessels increase.
Multiple Countries Gather for Maritime Symposium
U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) kicked off a three-day Maritime Infrastructure Protection Symposium (MIPS), Feb. 26 in Manama with speakers addressing threats to maritime infrastructure and ways to detect attacks in the Persian Gulf. MIPS is designed to improve the defense and crisis response of partner, coalition and infrastructure-related organizations. The symposium brings together industry professionals, security personnel and maritime corporations with regional and coalition partners. "NAVCENT and the coalition believe maritime security is the essential condition for regional stability, and stability is that environment where countries, businesses and ordinary people can interact peaceably," said Vice Adm. Kevin J. Cosgriff, commander, Combined Maritime Forces.
Navy Missile Likely Hit Fuel Tank on Disabled Satellite
Fire Controlman 2nd Class Andrew Jackson, a native of Ray Town, Mo., launches a Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) from the Combat Information Center aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70). Lake Erie fired a single modified tactical Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) and successfully impacted a non-functioning National Reconnaissance Office satellite approximately 247 kilometers (133 nautical miles) over the Pacific Ocean, as it traveled in space at more than 17,000 mph. U.S. By Gerry J. The missile fired from a U.S.
Coast Guard To Host WMD Exercise
The Coast Guard will host a multi-agency, Homeland Security field exercise entitled "Port Rio Grande," focusing on the consequence management of a Weapon of Mass Destruction (WMD) on Monday at 8 a.m. on Coast Guard Island. The exercise will conclude at approximately 2 p.m. The exercise will test the interoperability of procedures and equipment in response to a WMD onboard a Coast Guard Cutter. Participants will focus on setting up a shore-side command post, physically securing Coast Guard Island from further infiltration, proper medical procedures for a mass casualty incident and the possible introduction of chemical and biological weapons.