Piracy in the Indian Ocean
Somali based pirates continue to cause serious challenges to merchant vessels transiting the Indian Ocean. At the time of writing, EU NAVFOR statistics indicate that there are 26 vessels and 582 crew held captive off the coast of Somalia (not taking into account an unknown number of smaller dhows and fishing vessels that have been seized). Moreover, the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) reported that Somali pirates hijacked 49 vessels in 2010, an increase from 47 in 2009. With the use of hijacked mother ships, Somali pirates proved that they are capable of operating for extended periods of time in areas further out to sea; a trend that has continued in the first months of 2011.
MV Sinar Kudus Released by Pirates
On the 1 May, the Bulk Cargo Carrier the MV Sinar Kudus was released from pirate control after 46 days in captivity. The MV Sinar Kudus, which is Indonesian flagged and owned, was on its way to Suez (Egypt) from Singapore when it was attacked on the 16 March 2011. The ship is now sailing to a safe port.
Piracy in the Indian Ocean
Somali based pirates continue to cause serious challenges to merchant vessels transiting the Indian Ocean.At the time of writing, EU NAVFOR statistics indicate that there are 26 vessels and 582 crew held captive off the coast of Somalia (not taking into account an unknown number of smaller dhows and fishing vessels that have been seized). Moreover, the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) reported that Somali pirates hijacked 49 vessels in 2010, an increase from 47 in 2009. With the use of hijacked mother ships…
MV Sinar Kudus Pirated and Used as Mothership
At approximately 0730Z on 16 March, the Bulk Cargo Carrier MV Sinar Kudus was pirated approximately 320 nautical miles North East of the island of Socotra in the Somali Basin. Within 24 hours of being taken, it was used to launch an unsuccessful attack on the MV Emperor. The MV Sinar Kudus, which is Indonesian flagged and owned, was on its way to Suez (Egypt) from Singapore when it was attacked. Details of the attack are not known at this time but initial reports from the crew stated that 30 to 50 pirates had boarded and taken control of the vessel.
Rickmers-Linie Adds Ships to Middle East/India Service
Rickmers-Linie, Hamburg, signed a long-term chartering agreement with Samudera Indonesia, Jakarta, securing additional modern capacity to complement its existing fleet deployed on its Middle East and India service. The two multipurpose vessels chartered by Rickmers are the 8,900 dwt Sinar Kudus and 9,100 dwt Ardhianto, built in Japan in 1994 and 1999 respectively. Both ships have box-shaped holds and ‘tweendecks. Shipboard cranes enable Sinar Kudus to lift individual pieces of cargo weighing up to 60 tonnes and Ardhianto 50 tonnes. The first vessel to load for Rickmers under this new charter agreement will be Sinar Kudus in late August. Schedule details for the Middle East/India service and company information are available on the Rickmers-Linie website: www.rickmers-linie.com.
