Piracy threat must be addressed, Dockwise insists

June 9, 2011
Dockwise has called on the Dutch government to provide improved protection on its vessels to counteract piracy during transits through the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.

Offshore staff

BREDA, Netherlands – Dockwise has called on the Dutch government to provide improved protection on its vessels to counteract piracy during transits through the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.

The company says that since governments can only offer limited military protection, ship owners must be allowed to source additional private sector protection services.

However, owners of Dutch vessels following this route could run into legal issues.

CEO André Goedée said: "As an oil and gas service provider, our vessels - which as a consequence of their specific nature have been labeled by experts to be very vulnerable to pirate attacks - have to enter pirate-infested waters most months of the year.”

“At this point we are not allowed to protect our employees adequately against pirates, while other nations do allow for added security measures. Our clients, too, request added security measures for their employees and cargoes on-board.”

“In the interest of our employees and because of the increasing pressure from the industry itself, we may be forced to seek other alternatives – such as bringing the vessels under a different jurisdiction and flag – if regulations are not adapted quickly. We would regret having to take such a decision, but we are left with no choice should the Dutch government remain idle."

06/09/2011