Please Note
Slaves …. To work ……
Regards
Snooper
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THE ZAC SUTHERLAND UPDATE
Zac's Blog
My name is Zac Sunderland and I am 17 years old. I departed 14th June 2008 from Marina del Rey, California in an attempt to become the youngest person to circumnavigate the world alone by yacht.
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Further tales from our long haired solo sailor !
Photo : Jen Edney,
No Update.
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Visit www.zacsutherland.com
YouTube Videos http://www.youtube.com/zacsvideos
Blog http://www.zacsunderland.com/blog/
Email zacsworldadventure@yahoo.com
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Mike Perham aged 16, the youngest person to sail across the atlantic solo now has his eye's on an even more adventurous challenge.
To become the youngest person to sail around the world solo in an open 50 racing yacht.
No Update ……
Visit : http://www.totallymoney.com/sailmike/
Blog : http://www.totallymoney.com/sailmike/?cat=5
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First Terrorists' Submarine
11:40 GMT, February 2, 2009 Mullaittivu | Sri Lanka Army Task Force 3 found an LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam commonly also known as the Tamil Tigers) underwater vehicle along with 3 other smaller underwater vehicles which are still under construction from the Udayarkattukulam area in Mullaittivu on January 28. Military sources said that this was the most startling recovery made by troops so far during the ongoing counter terrorist operations against the LTTE. Three suicide boats and a large haul of LTTE maritime equipment were also found at the location, the sources added.
The sources further revealed, the largest underwater vehicle found is about 35 feet in length and amour plated. Among the other items found , there were one low bed trailer, one armour plate used for bending machines, fifteen oxy-acetylene welding cylinders, thirty armour plate sheets of 20 ft each, three pedal-type suicide boats, one Dvora-type fast attack craft, a large number of water pumps, two lorries, two buses, one truck, one heavy duty generator, one water bowzer trailer, one bowzer, filled with kerosene, two large lathe machines, two powerful compressors, one welding plant, a number of electric motors, one large lifting jack, many boats and vehicle engines, three hangar-shaped buildings of 75 ft x 15 ft each, fifteen small tiled-houses of 20 ft x 30 ft with full air conditioning and five tiled-billets of 25 ft x 100 ft with full air conditioning.
With this discovery the LTTE will go down in the history as the first terrorist organization to develop underwater weapons. Also, the LTTE is the first terrorist outfit to introduce suicide bombers to the world and to develop naval and air arms.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/5242/
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Container lines lose US$520/TEU on Far east-Europe trade
According to J.P. Morgan, based upon an average freight rate of US$ 365/TEU, carriers currently lose around US$520 on every box carried between the Far East and North Europe.
At current load factors this works out at some US$185-million per year for one roundtrip service sling. For the Transpacific trade, the analyst arrived at a loss of US$180/TEU.
In a pessimistic prediction, the report said "this won’t change for the better this year".
Story By : Alan Peat
Date :2/3/2009
http://www.cargoinfo.co.za/newsdetails.asp?&newsid=7369
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SAAF acknowledges A400M wait
Written by defenceWeb correspondent Dean Wingrin
Monday, 02 February 2009
A rain-soaked Chief of the SA Air Force (CAF) says the service may have to wait another four years before receiving its Airbus A400M Loadmaster transports.
Government in 2004 contracted with the European planemaker to receive eight of the medium transports from next year. But programme delays and trouble with the prescribed powerplant has left the A400M programme seriously overtime and likely over budget.
Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano Friday told a wet Air Force Day Parade the “delay may oblige the SAAF to reconsider its perceptions about the future of the C-130 aircraft. The prognosis with regard to the future of their airframes and wings is favourable.”
Reuters, meanwhile, reports that British Defence Equipment and Support Minister Quentin Davies has criticised Airbus parent EADS over the programme delays and has refused to rule out cutting back Britain's order.
"I am shocked and disappointing at news that EADS and Airbus Military are not going to be able to provide these aircraft on time and in the conditions provided for ... and we are thinking very carefully what do about it," he said aboard HMS Daring, the Royal Navy’s newest destroyer.
Asked whether Britain could cancel any of its 25 orders for A400M aircraft in response to the delays, he said, "It is a very unfortunate situation and we can't exclude any possibility; we need the strategic capability."
Positive news is that the A400M’s much-maligned Europrop International TP400-D6 powerplant was run at "maximum power" for "a couple of minutes" during its second flight test aboard a C130K testbed aircraft last week.
Strategic Defence Package
Turning to the service’s newly-delivered fleet of BAE Systems Mk120 Hawk lead-in fighter trainers the CAF said “full system ownership of our 24 Hawk aircraft will be achieved in June 2009. At present there are 30 pilots and navigators crewing Hawks at 85 CFS, one of whom is a RAF exchange instructor”.
He also noted that the SAAF Gripen fleet has expanded to five dual seat trainers and said “four more are to be delivered by August 2009. Therafter deliveries of the 17 single-seat aircraft will commence.”
On the status of the Super Lynx, Gagiano said: “Our four Super Lynx helicopters have been successfully integrated into the SAAF and flight trials in conjunction with the SA Navy are at quite an advanced stage.”
Gagiano further averred work on upgrading the runway and other facilities at AFB Waterkloof was on schedule, but cautioned that it may take another two to three years to complete the entire project.
Activities to be undertaken by the SAAF during 2009 include next month’s Exercise Shield to practice command and control in the Gauteng and North West region for the Soccer World Cup, the parliamentary elections, the inauguration of the upcoming President and the FIFA Confederations Cup.
In addition, Exercise Golfinho will be held in September, in order to prepare the SADC Brigade for multidimensional peace support operations.
Gagiano once again stated that the Air force would not participate in air shows this year. “The Air force will rather make a concerted effort to support its main clients such as the President and other VIPs, as well as other Services and Divisions, in their force preparation efforts and exercises”.
Gagiano says a major disappointment over the last year was the departure of 280 technical personnel. He expected this trend to continue, “but the SAAF is collaborating with the aviation industry to ensure that aviation in South Africa is vibrant and growing.”
Awards
Air Force Day marks the founding of the airport on 1 February 1920, making the SAAF the world’s second oldest air force, just behind that of the Royal Air Force and ahead of the Royal Australian Air Force.
The day is usually marked by a parade, a fly-past and the presentation of awards.
Gagiano was welcomed on parade with a flypast by the Silver Falcons aerobatics team followed by three Denel M1 Oryx each bearing the Air Force flag. Next came an impressive helicopter formation, consisting of four Oryx and three Eurocopter BK-117s, flanked by two Denel AH2A Rooivalk and led by an AgustaWestland Super Lynx 300. This was the first time the SuperLynx, based at AFB Ysterplaat, has been seen in Gauteng. They were closely followed by eight Agusta A-109s.
The final mass flypast consisted of five Cessna C-208 Caravans and the SAAF’s sole Pilatus PC-12 light transport.
After his address Gagiano awarded 2 Air Servicing Unit, headquartered at AFB Langebaanweg, the Air Force Prestige Unit of the year for 2008.
15 Squadron of AFB Durban was awarded the coveted Air Force Sword of Peace, while the Silver went to 22 Squadron (AFB Ysterplaat) and Bronze to 17 Squadron (AFB Waterkloof). The Sword of Peace rewards service to the nation, often in the form of risky search-and-rescue missions in adverse weather conditions.
Other awards were:
• The South African Air Force Aviation Safety Award: Gold went to 35 Squadron (AFB Ysterplaat), Silver went to 22 Squadron (AFB Ysterplaat) and Bronze went to 80 Air Navigation School (AFB Ysterplaat).
• The Royal Air Force Training Award: Gold went to 6 Air Servicing Unit (AFB Bloemspruit), Silver went to 87 Helicopter Flying School (AFB Bloemspruit), and Bronze went to Central Flying School (AFB Langebaanweg).
• Fire & Rescue Services of the Year: Gold went to AFB Langebaanweg, Silver to AFB Ysterplaat and Bronze to AFB Overberg.
• Air Force Protection Squadron of the Year: Gold went to 525 Squadron (AFB Overberg) and Silver to 502 Squadron (68 Air School) and Bronze to 505 Squadron (AFB Ysterplaat).
• Air Force Reserve Squadron of the Year: Gold went to 107 Squadron (AFB Bloemspruit), Silver to 102 Squadron (AFB Bloemspruit) and Bronze to 111 Squadron (AFB Waterkloof).
• Air Force Support Unit of the Year: Gold went to Air Force Headquarters Unit and Silver to Air Publication Service Centre (AFB Waterkloof).
• Air Force Air Servicing Unit of the Year: Gold went to 2 ASU (AFB Langebaanweg), Silver to 6 ASU (AFB Bloemspruit) and Bronze to 2 ASU (Detached AFB Ysterplaat).
• Air Command Directorate of the Year: Gold went to Directorate Combat Systems, Silver to Directorate Helicopter Systems and Bronze to Directorate Technical Support Services.
• Air Force Operational Support Unit of the Year: Gold went to the Lowveld Airspace Control Sector (AFB Hoedspruit) and Silver to Bushveld Airspace Control Sector (Air Command).
• Air Force Training Unit of the Year: Gold went to 80 Air Navigation School (AFB Ysterplaat), Silver to SAAF College and Bronze to Air Force Command and Control School (AFB Hoedspruit).
• Air Force Permanent Flying Unit of the Year: Gold went to 15 Squadron (AFB Durban), Silver to 28 Squadron (AFB Waterkloof) and Bronze to 87 Helicopter Flying School (AFB Bloemspruit).
• Air Force Base of the Year: Gold went to AFB Durban, Silver to AFB Ysterplaat and Bronze to AFB Langebaanweg.
• Safety, Health, Environment, Risk & Quality Award: Gold went to AFB Makhado, Silver to AFB Overberg and Bronze to 41 Squadron (AFB Waterkloof).
Additional reporting by Leon Engelbrecht
http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1051&Itemid=350
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Two senior security appointments at Eastern Cape ports
Two senior managers with widely divergent backgrounds, but a common commitment to keeping Mandela Bay‘s maritime links with the rest of the world safe and secure, have been appointed by Transnet.
One is traditionally dressed former Transkei schoolboy and police Superintendent Nelson Masophi, who has been appointed security operations manager at the Port Elizabeth harbour.
The other is former secretary Lindeni Marobela, who has been named the first executive to hold the same position at the newly constructed deep-water port of Ngqura at Coega.
Both have extensive experience and qualifications in the expanding profession of risk management and security, including Marobela having been specially trained on National Intelligence Agency (NIA) courses and Masophi having 28 years‘ experience in the police.
Explaining the growing role of port and key-point security – which, as with similar services throughout the world, gained substantial momentum after the September 11, 2001, New York terrorist attacks – Marobela said it was a key to South Africa being a part of global trade.
“Our ports are doing business with international companies and it is our role to ensure they do so in a safe and secure environment for their staff, their goods and their ships.
“In doing this, Transnet has to meet international ship and port security (ISPS) code standards, which are audited.
"There is also strict national legislation. If we don‘t meet the standards laid down, our ports lose their business.”
Marobela says heading the security operation at Ngqura – which is due to open in the middle of this year and with port construction already complete and buildings and equipment being installed at a rapid rate – provides a unique opportunity.
“It is an all-new port and security has been included from the first planning stage.
"It will include the latest high-tech equipment, including electronics and surveillance equipment, all monitored from sophisticated control rooms.”
The Ngqura appointment is the latest in a long line of firsts for a young woman who began her security career in the late 1990s as a secretary to an asset protection and risk management executive at Transnet in Gauteng.
“I‘m very ambitious and this was my passport to entering the field.
"At that time, all the senior positions were held by men. I pushed my boss to let me go on training programmes – including with the NIA and also completing an in armed response course – and was appointed Transnet‘s first woman security supervisor in 2003.
That was at the Port Elizabeth harbour and I was then appointed the company‘s first woman security operations manager in 2005.
"I am still the only woman manager.”
While climbing the career ladder, Marobela studied and is now completing her security diploma at Unisa.
She says there is still some reluctance by ships‘ commanders to accept her, but once she dons her jeans, safety shoes and hard-hat and proves that she is on top of the responsibilities, they change their minds.
For her PE harbour counterpart Masophi, the appointment is another step in a law-enforcement career that began when he became a police constable in the then-Transkei – after leaving school in Std 8 (Grade 10).
After acquiring a string of qualifications, Masophi rose to the rank of superintendent and commanded detective services in Humewood until the end of last year when he made the big change.
He cuts a striking figure in traditional dress, not quite the image you expect in the corridors of a huge enterprise.
“Oh, I do have business suits, but I feel more comfortable dressed like this as I am very proud and committed to my Xhosa culture and background,” he explains.
Source: I-Net Bridge
Story By : -
Date :2/3/2009
http://www.cargoinfo.co.za/newsdetails.asp?&newsid=7366
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Africom cruises
Written by defenceWeb
Monday, 02 February 2009
The US Navy’s landing platform dock USS Nashville is on its way from Rota, Spain to Dakar, Senegal, for a first stop on its annual Africa Partnership Station (APS) cruise that aims to enhance maritime safety and security in West and Central Africa.
The Nashville sailed from Rota last week Wednesday and will arrive at Dakar this week for a “series of seminars, workshops and hands-on training with their Senegalese counterparts” according to US Africa Command.
The training will include sessions on port security planning, small boat maintenance, medical training and oceanographic methods. “All of the activities are based on specific requests from Senegalese officials”, APS chief Captain Cindy Thebaud said. She is also commodore of US Navy 6th Fleet Destroyer Squadron 60.
"We are moving forward with a singular effort to enhance existing friendships and build new partnerships while engaging in a number of maritime safety and security areas with our Senegalese Navy partners," she adds.
Meanwhile, Senegal Navy Lieutenant Commander Omar Wade says his nation's navy is looking forward to working with APS Nashville Sailors.
"We see APS as a promising US Navy-led initiative that, along with our international partners, will create the foundation for future regional cooperation in meeting our common maritime concerns," said Wade, part of APS Nashville's embarked international staff in comments posted on the Africom website.
The Nashville will make port calls in four other West African countries -- Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon and Gabon on this cruise. APS training will include professional exchanges on a variety of topics, including seamanship, environmental stewardship, fisheries management and maritime awareness, along with numerous humanitarian and civic outreach opportunities, Africom adds.
http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1048&Itemid=363
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Dockwise, $42m in Near-term Contracts
2/2/2009 9:46:37 AM
Dockwise Ltd. announced eight near-term contracts awarded to its subsidiary, Dockwise Shipping, for the transportation of jack- up drilling rigs, dredging equipment and various other cargoes. Total revenues for the contracts are approx $42m.
Dockwise Shipping, in company with industry partners, is to transport the drilling rigs Great Drill Chetna, Seajacks Kraken, Ocean Quest, and Offshore Intrepid to their new assignments in India, Halifax, Brazil and the Arabian Gulf respectively. On behalf of various other clients and turning to more varied cargo, Dockwise Shipping has been contracted to transport a dredging cargo to Japan, accommodation jack-ups to Rotterdam, Derrick and jack-up barges to Angola and Rotterdam as well as patrol boats to Italy. Almost all projects are for execution in the first half of 2009.
André Goedée, Chief Executive, Dockwise, said “This is encouraging news and proof of continuing good market conditions in the first half of 2009 with no discernible change from the fourth quarter of 2008. Indeed, we see not only the market for drilling rig transportation in good health but also the market for other maritime and industrial equipment cargoes. This good start to the year will help Dockwise sustain the generation of free cash flows to reduce our net debt level - a priority for the current year.”
http://sname.marinelink.com/snamestory.aspx?stid=214344
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More on that "Iranian" Arms Ship
Foreign Minister Markos Kyprianou has said that the government is still investigating whether weaponry carried by a Russian owned ship comes under UN resolutions banning arms exports by Iran.
The ship is now anchored about two nautical miles off the coast of Limassol pending further decisions by the Cyprus government.
Press reports said the ship may be brought into Limassol port so that a complete inspection on its cargo can by carried out.
Mr Kyprianou said he could not comment on this information and added that many of the details carried by news media were not correct.
He called for patience for a few days until the matter is resolved.
The "Monchegorsk", a Russian-owned ship which is registered in Cyprus, had been escorted to Cyprus by an American warship, on suspicion that it is carrying military equipment from Iran, in contravention of a UN security council resolution.
Russian authorities are dismissing american charges about arms trafficking.
U.S. military officials said personnel from the U.S. Navy last week boarded the vessel, travelling from Iran to Syria, and found a weapons shipment, but for legal reasons did not confiscate the cargo.
Well informed sources say the cargo of the ship includes specialised materials which could be used in the manufacture of rockets.
Just for fun, here's how the ship might look through a periscope:
http://www.famagusta-gazette.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=69&twindow=&mad=&sdetail=7496&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=2350&hn=famagusta-gazette&he=.com
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Norwegian Salvage of the U-864
2/2/2009 9:43:32 AM
At a press conference the Norwegian Minister of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs, Helga Pedersen, announced that the Norwegian government will propose to parliament that the U-864, a German submarine which sank in World War II, should be salvaged rather than left on the seabed and encased to ensure the safety of people and environment. The Norwegian Coastal Administration (NCA) selected Mammoet Salvage for the potential salvage of the submarine which contains toxic mercury and explosives.
The proposal will be discussed in the Norwegian parliament in the near future. The salvage operation of the submarine will be undertaken in the summer of 2010. In the period leading up to that Mammoet will prepare dedicated equipment for the operation.
Mammoet Salvage completed the remote control salvage of the Runner 4 in the Baltic Sea last year. With the remote operated techniques with a surface controlled gripper and ROV support, Mammoet will raise the submarine and take away the source of pollution forever without the need for anyone working under water. The new Transport Safeguard will prevent mercury leakage during the lifting and transport of the wreck.
On November 28th last, the NCA and Mammoet Salvage B.V. signed the contract concerning the possible salvage of the German U-864 submarine.
On 9 February 1945, the German submarine U-864 was torpedoed by the British submarine HMS Venturer. The U-864 sank about two nautical miles west of the island Fedje, just north of Bergen, with the loss of all 73 on board. The submarine's cargo included approximately 67 tons of metallic mercury which is highly toxic. As the U-864 was on a mission it was also carrying a full load of weapons. The vessel's wreckage is considered to be a potential long-term threat to human health and the environment.
Mammoet Salvage B.V. and affiliated company Mammoet Norge AS are part of the Mammoet Holding B.V. (heavy transport and lifting specialists) which was awarded the contract of the salvage of the Kursk Russian nuclear submarine in 2001. Since then Mammoet Salvage has carried out a range of salvage projects throughout the world.
3. Project to Replace Old Alaskan Ferries
According to a Jan. 29 report from the Seward Phoenix LOG, the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) released its new Alaska Class ferry acquisition project summary and status report on Jan. 30, along with a website allowing for public involvement. The project calls for the design and construction of the next generation of ferries to begin replacing aging ships currently in the AMHS fleet.
(Source: Seward Phoenix LOG)
http://sname.marinelink.com/snamestory.aspx?stid=214341
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Norway conducted very successful NSM test firing
11:20 GMT, February 2, 2009 Late Saturday evening, Norwegian time, the Armed Forces conducted a very successful test firing of the Naval Strike Missile (NSM). The test firing demonstrated the highly advanced functionalities and performance of the NSM system developed by KONGSBERG.
Fired at the Pt. Mugu artillery range in the US state of California, the missile completed the planned trajectory prior to striking the target ship. During its flight, the missile conducted a large number of advanced manoeuvres that clearly place it far ahead of competing systems.
The Naval Strike Missile (NSM) will be ready as scheduled for deployment on the Norwegian Navy's new Nansen and Skjold Class vessels.
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NSM Background information:
NSM is the only fifth generation long range precision strike missile in existence as per today. Already chosen by the Royal Norwegian Navy for its new frigates and new coastal corvettes, the NSM will be fully operational on these ships when they enter service in the near future. The NSM is also contracted by the Polish Navy for use on its new coastal artillery installations. Being a cost-effective system which has demonstrated unsurpassed capabilities in numerous tests, the international interest for this missile is strongly increasing in NATO and other countries.
* Weight : Approximately 400 kgs
* A modern warhead ensures effectiveness similar to much larger missiles
* Range : In excess of 100 nautical miles
* Platforms : Ships, trucks, armoured vehicles, airborne weapon carriers
* Designed for targets in littoral waters, in open sea scenarios and land targets
The airframe and the high thrust to weight ratio gives NSM extremely good maneuverability. The missile is completely passive, has proven its excellent sea skimming capabilities, and with its advanced terminal maneuvers it will survive the enemy air defences. The Autonomous Target Recognition (ATR) of the seeker ensures that the correct target is detected and hit, at sea or on land.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/5241/
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Hostage's secret pictures of £2m ransom drop on ship hijacked by pirates
Feb 1 2009 By Lesley Roberts
A SCOTS hostage risked his life to take this astonishing picture of armed pirates collecting their s2million ransom.
The cash was dropped by parachute before James Grady and his fellow crew were freed.
He kept a secret diary and photos of his 57-day ordeal on a hidden camera and laptop. Now he has opened that diary kept after the Sirius Star was over-run by gun-wielding crooks off the coast of Somalia.
James, 52, of Johnstone, Renfrewshire, said he and 24 colleagues on board lived under constant fear they would be shot dead by their captors.
But he kept an astonishing daily log on a hidden laptop computer.
And he took incredible pictures - including one of the ladder the pirates used to board the ship - with a digital camera stashed in his clothes.
In a no-nonsense style, James reveals how the pirates:
Constantly chewed mind-bending drug khat.
Opened fire on deck with Kalashnikov rifles.
Used computers to look at internet porn.
Panicked after mistaking a lighthouse for another ship attacking them.
Engineer James said the only person injured throughout the ordeal was a pirate accidentally shot in the arm by a friend.
Incredibly they continued to steal valuables from James and his shipmates after ship owners Aramco paid the s2million ransom in cash.
And he admitted the crew were happy when they heard five pirates drowned as they made off with their money.
Relieved James said: "I don't know what they'd have done if they had realised what I was doing.
"We didn't want to upset them - for obvious reasons. They thought they'd stolen everything there was to steal on the ship but I had a hiding place in the engine room that they never discovered."
Dad-of-two James was second engineer aboard the Saudi Arabian tanker when the armed Somalians stormed the vessel on November 15.
They were released two weeks ago after the dramatic drop of money from low-flying planes.
James listened to news reports about the hijacking on a radio he hid above a loose ceiling tile in a toilet.
As he reads his diary now, he can barely believe the drama he has just lived through.
He said: "It is like a film. When I was hiding things away, hoping the pirates wouldn't find them, I did think of those old war movies you see, with people hiding things from the Germans."
The Sirius Star was transporting 2.2 million barrels of oil, worth around s100million, to a port in the Caribbean when the pirates struck.
As a package, the ship and the oil were worth around s300million, the equivalent of a huge floating pay packet to Somalis who make their living from piracy.
The huge craft - more than 1000ft long - was 450 miles southeast of Kenya when two speedboats with 25 raiders caught up with it.
James said: "When the first mate came and told me he thought we were being followed, the speedboats were just like little dots in our wake.
"You could barely see them. I thought, No - they're not following us.' But they were gaining on us as we watched. The advice on how to get away from pirates is 'speed up and zig-zag'. It's practically impossible to do both at the same time.
"Our ship was low in the water because it was fully loaded so they didn't find it too hard to get on board.
"They had a 12ft ladder roughly tied together. They hooked it on to the side and climbed on.
"All we had to fight them was fire hoses but when we saw how heavily armed they were we thought it best not to even try. We didn't fancy our chances against Kalashnikovs."
The pirates could speak only a few words of English but they made themselves understood.
They wanted money, phones or "computers" and they ransacked the ship of anything they could carry.
James said: "They were constantly chewing khat.
"We worried it would make them unstable and there was twice gunfire on the boat. Once one of them shot the other by accident. Another time they pushed a lifebelt into sea and fired at it.
"But they were at their most nervous when they thought they were coming under fire from an 'attack craft' which was actually a lighthouse 15 miles away.
"We agreed to leave certain things on display for them in the hope it would stop them looking for other stuff. We knew they wouldn't believe we didn't have any money so we left cash in accessible areas. They kept asking for working shoes. They were wearing sandals but they were desperate for shoes.
"They wanted anything shiny but all they got from me was the case for my reading glasses.
"I turned off the lift to the engine room to make it difficult for them to get in there so I figured it was safe to hide my computer and my camera there.
"I took photos when I thought I was at a safe enough distance but I had to hold the camera at my waist, pointing out my jacket and hope for the best."
James also managed to listen to a portable radio he hid above a ceiling tile in the toilet, tuning into BBC World Service.
He said: "I unscrewed a ceiling panel to hide the radio and I listened to it every night when they thought I was asleep."
As the ordeal came to a close and half the ransom money had been delivered, James heard a radio report that some of the escaping pirates had been killed.
He said: "A news programme said five of the pirates drowned. Their boat had capsized while they were trying to get away with the money.
"I told the others and I can't claim we were very sympathetic.
"Some pirates were worse than others and we hoped it was them. One of the crew drew a picture of them drowning with the names of the guys we hoped it had been."
When the ship reached shore at Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, the crew were treated to a night out at a top Dubai hotel.
James said: "We went through a debriefing and saw an occupational therapist to check our health.
"We had the chance to speak to a psychiatrist but we all went off and got drunk instead."
Despite his ordeal, James has no plans to abandon his life at sea and expects to be back on duty within four months.
He said: "What else will I do? There's no work for me here.
"Even though redundancies are happening at sea too, everyone still wants oil.
"What happened was just a shift for me. I might have been held hostage for 57 days but I still did my four-month stint as usual.
"I'm used to it. I've been at sea since I was about 21. This isn't going to put me off. I'll probably go back to the Sirius Star."
Now back with wife Margaret, 49, and sons Paul, 23, and Phil, 21, James is intent on putting the experience behind him.
There have been no parties for his return, no emotional reunions. He would rather spend quiet time, walking his two dogs on Largs beach and getting back to normal.
He said: "I'm not anxious about going back to sea but I think I have been affected by this.
"After our release we were sailing to port. We were getting closer to shore and two little fishing boats were heading straight towards us.
"It was totally innocent but the three of us on the bridge at the time were immediately on edge, thinking, 'Oh no, not again.'
"So there must be something in my subconscious, even if I'm not aware of it all the time.
"I feel a bit of a fraud when people refer to me as a hostage.
"I'm not in the same league as people like Terry Waite, people who've been held on their own for a long time.
"But I'm a seafarer. I'll be going back to sea."
____________________________________
57 DAYS IN HELL
Here are exclusive extracts from James Grady's secret diary on board the Sirius from November 15 to January 10.
15 Nov 08 DAY 1
I was working on the sunken deck when we saw the deck crowd setting up fire hoses. I thought they were just testing the hoses.
A member of the crew came over and said we were being followed by two small speed boats. But none of us thought for a minute it was pirates, not this far from the coast. I just went back to work.
In no time at all the pirates were close to the ship and we could see they were well armed. We had fire hoses to defend ourselves. There was no point in trying.
They had fully boarded the ship by 0855 and they were carrying machine guns and rocket propelled grenades.
By 0902 the pirates had control of the wheelhouse and insisted the ship was stopped, now.
Two boats & 8 men were then taken on board. At 1500hrs we stopped again, and picked up a 3rd boat. I think a total of 10 armed men are on board. They keep the satellite phone busy so we can't use it to contact any help. Not that there is any help to come. Heading for Somalia. Everyone is nervous about what will happen there.
DAY 2
At 1000hrs they started with the Captain's cabin, then went to every cabin one by one, stealing all money, phones etc. They were in my cabin twice, stealing.
DAY 3
Pirate Cove: (we call it Pirate Cove) anchored close to the coast in Somalia. Got a visit in the engine room for the first time. They searched all of the Engine Control Room (ECR) for anything valuable. Stole a company supplied laptop computer and other things. After they went, I turned off the access elevator into the ECR in the hope it will keep them out.
DAY 4
We got a second visit in the ECR. One Somali. He spoke good English. He asked me how I was keeping. I said "I am OK - for a hostage". He then asked "Where is the money? Where is your pocket money?" I told him: "Your friends took all our money". He left with nothing.
DAY 5
There is still a fear in the ship the pirates will go round the cabins again, the thieving bandits.
We are not sure how many pirates are on board, we think it's about 20 to 25. We are not allowed to go outside so it's difficult to tell.
Their saving grace is they know nothing about computers.
DAY 8
One of the pirates got shot in an AK-47 accident. The pirates asked for medical attention. The wounded pirate was then taken ashore. We never saw him again.
DAY 9
We moved anchorage approx. 15 miles along the coast to what we call Pirate Bay, Somalia. They keep wanting us to go closer to the shore. They don't understand that the ship is too big to go closer.
DAY 11
Interviewed by ITV News on the satellite phone. We give the pirates good press. No choice, as they were standing close and listening. The pirates promise we will get calls home tomorrow morning.
DAY 13
The pirates are giving the crew a hard time. They got into the mess room and the crew brought it on themselves by having porn on the computers. The pirates wanted the porn and bullied the crew.
DAY 14
A helicopter has been circling us once or twice a day for the past few days. Again today. Just before lunch a Spanish (we think) warship cruised past 5 miles away. A subtle message to the pirates maybe? Maybe the helicopter was from that warship. I got my working shoes stolen.
DAY 18
Pirates got very nervous when we tested the alarms. Guns at the ready. Five new pirates joined today. At 2100hrs they ordered everyone to the bridge to be real hostages.
They thought they were going to be attacked. The 'attacking craft' the pirates thought they saw was actually a bloody lighthouse about 15 miles aft.
Everyone ended up sleeping in the officers' rec room with armed guard at the door. It was very uncomfortable and cold.
DAY 19
A very bad night for us hostages. Locked in the officers' rec room no fun, and Captain's snoring didn't help. About 0500hrs everyone awake. By 0600 The pirates were stealing from cabins again.
They took the First Mate and went from door to door though every cabin and every store, stealing again. That makes it five times my cabin has been searched.
DAY 20
Moved anchorage closer to shore half a mile. The stupid f*****s do not understand that the ship is too deep draft to go any closer.
DAY 23
Helicopter passed early afternoon. I like to see the helicopter, it makes me feel we are not alone.
DAY 25
The EU take over from NATO patrolling the Somali coast but they don't know what to do when they catch a pirate. We all know what to do with them.
DAY 26
I had them banging at my door last night, I think they were checking if we were all in our cabins. The satellite phone is not working again. The helicopter passed by four times today.
Pirates say we will go free tomorrow ??? Bull****.
DAY 33
01:15hrs. Pirates pushed a life belt into the sea and fired bullets at it. 0630 a fishing boat came close to aft end. Pirates fired heavy machine gun at it. 0805 helicopter passed by first time in three days. No end in sight.
DAY 36
A 'no helicopter' day. Crew lockers were broken into. Two weeks now and no phone calls home for everyone. Not good.
DAY 41 (Christmas Day)
No helicopter. Crew and Pirates went fishing today.
DAY 42
We are now 6 weeks hostage. Helicopter visited today. More fishing today for food. Info from ashore, a good English speaker said he is coming on board tomorrow and we may get phone calls home.
DAY 51
Some head men said: "Negotiations are completed." We are only waiting for the money to be transferred, which will take up to three days. Captain was able to phone bosses and they confirmed the story but say it may be seven to 10 days.
DAY 53
Contact with bosses, they say to keep info private. We should receive instructions of what to do and when we are to go free.
DAY 54
Boss pirates on board say we will be released on Friday. At 0830 a plane will come. All crew are to be on deck to be counted, then it will drop a package into the sea. A boat will pick it up. All being well, we will be released. That's the plan.
DAY 55
Tomorrow we are all to be on deck at about 0630 so we can be counted by a small plane. It will then drop 50 per cent of money. It will return about six hours later with the other 50 per cent. Captain will count the money. About 3 million dollars total.
DAY 56
Everyone up at 0500. At 0630 we all went out on deck. At 0805 a twin engine plane passed stern to bow at low level, to count us all. It passed a second time and dropped a capsule with a parachute into the sea. Half the money. Two pirate boats picked it up and brought it on board.
We all then came inside. The plane returned at 1410 and dropped off the remaining money. The money was on board by 1420. 1600 and the bloody pirates are still stealing.
Why won't they just ******* go? They've been paid! At 1630 17 of the pirates get off. At 1900 we're informed one of the boats had capsized and maybe four of the pirates were missing. So the other half are staying the night.
DAY 57
Most people up by 0400hrs. Then at 0534hrs: THE LAST PIRATE LEFT THE SHIP. At 0536 we are on stand-by, and at 0642, we're away on passage to freedom. The company have not yet decided on a destination for the ship. US helicopter came by and gave us a wave. I waved back.
SUNDAY EMAIL
l.roberts@sundaymail.co.uk
http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/news/scottish-news/2009/02/01/hostage-s-secret-pictures-of-2m-ransom-drop-on-ship-hijacked-by-pirates-78057-21088889/
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DNV: Guidelines on lay-up of ships issued
Tuesday, 03 February 2009
The DNV guidelines on lay-up of ships are now ready and available on the DNV website. The guidelines contain both requirements and recommendations for shipowners that are preparing for short or long lay-ups. Based on the market uncertainties and the fact that global trade is slowing down at the same time as more new vessels are being delivered from the yards, the shipping industry is facing overcapacity. Vessels have been laid-up and market forecasts expect more of this to take place.
No one can predict how long each vessel will be out of business, and the DNV guidelines on lay-up are tailor-made for anything from a hot lay-up of less than a month to a cold lay-up of more than five years.
The guidelines provide a systematic and cost-effective approach for preparing a ship for lay-up and maintaining it in a safe and cost-effective condition during its lay-up.
DNV’s lay-up services are individually or in combination best suited for the actual situation:
General advisory services based on lay-up scenarios
Development of lay-up specifications and procedures
Supervision of the lay-up process
Lay-up Declarations as requested by the various parties involved, such as insurance and port authorities
Periodic inspections according to Lay-up Declarations
Supervision during re-commissioning
Source: DNV
http://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=34528&Itemid=95
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Piracy: Worldwide Updates
Tuesday, 03 February 2009
Piracy continues to be a problem in a number of areas around the world as well as in the Gulf of Aden. During January very serious incidents have taken place in the West African countries of Nigeria, involving the hijack of a supply vessel, and Cameroon where the Greek Captain of a fishing trawler was killed when pirates boarded his vessel. The situation in Nigeria, particularly the Niger delta, appears to be much more serious than is generally known as many attacks go unreported to bodies such as the IMB. A more comprehensive picture of the situation in Nigeria can be obtained by visiting the website of Bergen Risk Solutions.
Members and Masters are strongly encouraged to report all acts of piracy or attempted piracy to the IMB.
Source: North of England P&I Club
http://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=34510&Itemid=79
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French see British, Germans muzzle in on Algerian deal
Written by defenceWeb
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
Britain and Germany are reportedly muscling in on what France considered a sure sale of up to four “FREMM” multi-mission frigates to Algeria.
The French ADIT business intelligence and risk assessment agency notes in its latest newsletter that the Francophone Algerian La Tribune newspaper last week reported that BVT Surface Fleet, supported by the British government, is negotiating a Memorandum of Understanding with the Algerian government “to conduct a contract evaluated between €4-5 billion.”
Media reports circulated after French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s December 2007 visit there suggested Algeria was to purchase up to four of the frigates. Armada International, the Swiss multilingual defence publication last October described it as a done deal, saying the “Algerian National Navy has followed Morocco as an export customer for the FREMM… The Algerian vessels will be constructed locally at the Mers-el-Kebir port in northwest Algeria”.
This, however, does not appear to be the case. Armada spoke of the Moroccan purchase in the plural and said Morocco “expected to receive its first vessel in 2012”. But a media release by DCNS, the builder, only mentions a single ship, as does the “FREMM” entry in the wikipedia. (The wikipedia entry does not mention Algeria at all and the FREMM is not referenced in the Algerian National Navy wikipedia site.)
ADIT further reports that British Prime minister has “exchanged several letters” with Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, “while BVT Surface Fleet confirms having opened negotiations with Algiers, without specifying what kind of ship was under discussion. “But it could concern the Type 22 frigate…”
“Moreover, the Germans also threaten the FREMM deal offering Meko frigates with South African missiles to Algeria”.
It appears the Royal Navy is gradually phasing out the Type 22 “Broadsword” class. Several have already been sold to Brazil, Chile and Romania. If accurate, the Type 22’s on offer to Algeria will likely be refurbished vessels.
The South African Navy currently has in commission for Meko A200SAN frigates armed, inter alia, with the Denel Umkhonto surface-to-air missile. The Umkhonto has been exported to Finland.
http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1020&Itemid=370
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Boat people rescued off Indonesia
A group of nearly 200 people has been rescued from a wooden boat adrift off the coast of Aceh after 21 days at sea, Indonesian officials say.
They are thought to be Burmese Rohingya - a Muslim minority group not recognised by Burma's military rulers.
It is the second group of Rohingyas to arrive in Indonesia in a month.
The plight of the boat-people has been highlighted recently because of allegations those found in Thai waters are mistreated by the Thai authorities.
Indonesian navy officials said the small boat was spotted by fishermen on Monday.
Officials said that the boat was so packed with people that many were forced to stand.
Those on board had run out of food and water, and more than 50 are being treated in hospital in Indonesia for severe dehydration.
Humane treatment
The BBC's Jonathan Head in Bangkok says the fact that their boat had no engine suggests that they too were victims of the callous expulsion policy operated by the Thai military up until last month.
At least 1,000 Rohingya are already known to have been towed out into the Andaman Sea by the Thai navy and then set adrift. Hundreds are thought to have perished.
But our correspondent says that total may be higher if this boat turns out to be part of another large group thought to have been cast out by Thailand last month.
The policy has provoked huge international protest and the Thai prime minister has promised more humane treatment of the Rohingya in future, who have long suffered abuses at the hands of the Burmese military.
Thailand insists the Rohingya are economic migrants not refugees, and should be deported.
In a statement last week Burma's military government denied the existence of the Rohingya, saying they are not officially recognised as one of the country's 100 or so ethnic groups.
There are thought to be up to one million Rohingyas living in Burma, in conditions described by the few aid officials allowed there as some of the most wretched in Asia.
Hundreds of thousands have fled overseas, mainly to neighbouring Bangladesh, and to Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/asia-pacific/7866374.stm
Published: 2009/02/03 07:36:53 GMT
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Raytheon Begins Deliveries of Zumwalt Mission System Production Equipment
07:15 GMT, February 3, 2009 TEWKSBURY, Mass. | Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has delivered the first production equipment for the U.S. Navy's DDG 1000 Zumwalt-class destroyer. The Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) planar array antenna assembly was delivered to the Navy on cost and ahead of schedule.
"The delivery of the first production equipment for Zumwalt is a critical milestone, demonstrating that with the right processes and commitment to budget and schedule requirements, major programs can be delivered on cost and on schedule," said Dan Smith, president of Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems. "As the program continues to transition from development to production, we remain focused on our primary goal -delivering unprecedented capabilities to the warfighter."
CEC brings tactical data fusion capability to the Zumwalt-class destroyer, integrating data from shipborne, airborne and land-based radars into a common, real-time picture for the warfighter. This capability allows all members of the network to simultaneously identify a threat, such as an approaching missile or aircraft, even if the target is out of range of an individual platform's sensors.
Leveraging this capability currently deployed on existing ships of the U.S. Navy fleet, the Zumwalt-variant planar array antenna assembly has more stringent shock requirements and a secondary radome to enhance the radar cross section to meet the multi-mission requirements of the ship class.
Work on this CEC assembly was completed by a team of experts that included representatives from across Raytheon Company as well as the Navy. Raytheon employees in Marlborough, Mass.; Largo, Fla.; McKinney, Texas; and St. Petersburg, Fla., worked in conjunction with the Navy to accelerate the antenna's design, construction, and acceptance test process.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/5270/
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Saab offers Gripen NG to Brazil
16:40 GMT, February 2, 2009 Today Saab handed over a tender for 36 Gripen Next Generation to the Brazilian Air Force Air Command. The tender is an answer to the formal Request for Proposal issued in the autumn 2008.
Gripen NG is the next generation Gripen, an enhanced version of the well established net centric warfare multirole fighter which has proven low acquisition, operation and support costs. The Gripen NG programme covers development of avionics and all major sensors including data communication, self-protection systems, weapons integration, as well as airframe and propulsion enhancements. The aircraft will have increased thrust, increased payload, and extended range.
“The Gripen NG offer is fully compliant and will be a complete solution for Brazil,” says Gripen Campaign Director for Brazil, Bengt Janér.
Generate transfer of key technology
Not only will Gripen NG provide an unbeatable industrial co-operation package, with lasting consequences for the national defence industry, such as the direct involvement in the development, production and maintenance of the platform but it will also generate transfer of key technology including access to Gripen source codes. These industrial packages will include contractually binding obligations.
The transfer of the Technology programme will also allow full involvement in future capability development supplying Brazil strategic long term national security and technology superiority.
A long term partnership
“Gripen NG will provide a long term partnership between Brazil and Sweden in a well established fighter programme that continues to develop. Gripen will maintain its position at the cutting edge of technology for the next 30-40 years”, says Saab CEO Mr. Åke Svensson.
Gripen is in service with the Swedish, Czech Republic, Hungarian and South African Air Forces. It has also been ordered by the Royal Thai Air Force. The UK Empire Test Pilots’ School (ETPS) is operating Gripen as its advanced fast jet platform for test pilots worldwide. Saab is also delivering successful industrial cooperation programs in Czech Republic, Hungary and South Africa.
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Fact box: Saab in Brazil
Saab is since many years active in Brazil and recently opened an office in Brasilia.
Thru the years Saab has made sales within different areas such as Ground Combat Systems, Search and Air Defence radars, Camouflage and Training equipment.
The most significant sale was the Airborne Early Warning radar systems Erieye, which are mounted on Embraer 145 aircrafts and used as a main sensor in the Brazilian SIVAM system for surveillance and protection of Amazonas.
The SIVAM project created a close cooperation with Embraer. Today Saab and Embraer have delivered SIVAM-like Erieye systems to other countries and are exploring new areas of cooperation.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/5258/
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Ship price slump cuts owners' profits
Tuesday, 03 February 2009
A collapse in the price of ships that haul coal, ore and grains last year probably eliminated fourth-quarter profits for some owners of the vessels, NBG International Ltd. shipping analyst Alex Chan said. Owners who bought ships in the past two to three years will probably have to make so-called impairment charges if their fleets are worth less than they previously accounted for, Chan said by phone today. He declined to identify the owners or say how many of them will be affected.
"It could wipe out net profits," said London-based Chan, who doesn't advise investors to buy shares in any of the shipping lines he follows. "Any company who purchased a vessel when the market was really high, there might be a potential for impairment."
The price of capesize commodity carriers most commonly used to haul coal and iron ore cargoes has dropped by almost US$110 million since July because of a collapse in the rents. A second- hand capesize now costs US$44.34 million compared with a record US$153.79 million in July last year, according to the London-based Baltic Exchange, a 265-year-old shipping bourse.
The exchange's index, a measure of shipping costs for commodities, slumped 92 percent last year, causing at least four shipowners to fail since October.
According to Chan, in the event that owners' fleets market values or expected cash flow, whichever is higher, are below what the company has accounted for using straight-line depreciation from the point the ships were bought, owners will have to book an impairment charge for the difference under international accounting standards.
As many as half of publicly traded commodity shipping lines may breach their loan covenants by April after a record collapse in hire rates, Lambros Varnavides, Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc's head of credit to the shipping industry, said in interviews in London on Jan. 12 and 13. The bank is the third-largest lender to the industry.
Source: Bloomberg
http://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=34519&Itemid=79
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Namibian Navy receives new ship
Written by defenceWeb editor Leon Engelbrecht
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
The Brazilian media reports that the country has delivered a new patrol vessel to the Namibian Navy, the lead ship of a class of five.
The Namibian Ship (NS) Brendan Simbwaye is 46.5 meters long, can reach a maximum speed of 26.5 knots, and will be used to patrol and monitor and monitor Namibia’s coastline.
The Brazilian Journal of Northeast via the Portuguese-language Naval.com.br website reports the ships, budgeted to cost US$24 million were ordered in 2004 and are part of a trade agreement between Brazil and Namibia.
The International Institute for Strategic Studies credits the Namibian Navy, created from the Namibian Defence Force’s Maritime Wing in 2004, with six patrol craft: three unspecified offshore vessels, one coastal “Oryx” class craft and two former SA Navy “Namacurra” class harbour patrol boats.
Brasilia-based News Source Info (NSI) via the defense-technologynews.blogspot reports the 200mt patrol craft was built by the Indústria Naval do Ceará (INACE) based in Fortaleza, with the project managed by EMGEPRON, a public company tied to the Brazilian Navy that guaranteed the ship’s quality as well as the armament installation. The company will also provide logistic support to the Namibian Navy, NSI reports.
The NSI adds the vessel was commissioned on 16 January at a ceremony held at the INACE shipyard in the presence of the defence ministers of Brazil and Namibia, the Brazilian Minister of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade; the commanders of the Brazilian and Namibian navies; the governor of Cearà state and the Prefect of Fortaleza.
General characteristics:
• Armament: 1X 40mm cannon, machine guns.
• Displacement: 197 tonnes empty, 217 tonnes loaded;
• Length: 46.5 meters, beam 7.5 meters and draught 2.3 meters;
• Propulsion: 2 MTU 16V 396 TB94 diesel engines rated at 2,740 bhp each, coupled to two shafts with fixed-pitch, three-bladed propellers.
• Fuel: 23 tonnes.
• Maximum speed: 26.5 knots; cruise speed: 22 knots.
• Range: 2200 nautical miles at 12 knots (10 days).
The Journal of Northeast further reports the ship represents the first export success for the yard and is the first warship built by a private contractor exported. INACE CE Elisa Gradvohl says a number of other African countries have expressed interest in similar vessels, notably Nigeria, whose ambassador has visited the yard.
Construction of the remaining four ships was scheduled for after delivery the lead ship.
Janes Sentinel last year reported Namibian Navy personnel have been receiving training abroad, notably in Brazil, “and Namibia has embarked on a programme to expand the small fleet.
“A number of new-build vessels are on order from Brazil and a naval base has been built at Walvis Bay.”
The authoritative British publication adds that the Namibian government intends its navy to be a military marine patrol force with the capacity to defend the southwest African state’s 's coast and economic zone from foreign aggression. It intends all its vessels to have both offshore patrol and combat capabilities and to train naval personnel accordingly.
“However, the navy is not well equipped for a military role and is likely to be deployed primarily in support of the civil power and in paramilitary roles. Fishery protection is the force's primary role in association with the Ministry of Fisheries.
“The South African Navy carries out occasional patrols of Namibia's fishing grounds and has arrested illegal trawlers on behalf of the Namibian government. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) patrol is also of prime concern to the navy and a long term objective is to ensure protection of offshore oil, gas and diamond mining infrastructure.
Janes further report that the Namibian Navy is tasked with “assisting civil forces to combat illegal immigration, smuggling of arms and drugs and threats to the environment, as well as conducting maritime surveillance and surveys of the coast.
“South Africa and Angola have provided search and rescue facilities along Namibia's coastline in the past but it is intended that Namibia will be able to exercise this function independently.
“Apart from the “Imperial Manheiro” class coastal patrol ship, only the Oryx is armed (one 12.7 mm machine gun) while the “Osprey” class Tobias Hainyeko has a helicopter deck.”
http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1021&Itemid=370
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U.S. Navy Tests New Raytheon Warhead for JSOW C-1
07:13 GMT, February 3, 2009 NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER CHINA LAKE, Calif. | The U.S. Navy tested a new Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) shaped-charge warhead being considered for the Joint Standoff Weapon C-1. The new warhead delivers the same effect as the warhead currently planned for the JSOW C-1 at a reduced cost to the warfighter.
"Cost reduction is critical to JSOW's success," said Cmdr. Andrew Kessler, deputy program manager for JSOW in the U.S. Navy's Precision Strike Weapons program office. "We're always on the lookout for new opportunities to maintain or improve weapon capability for the warfighter at reduced cost to the taxpayer."
The U.S. Navy and Raytheon funded the demonstration and used proprietary warhead technology developed by Raytheon. It was the second demonstration of this technology on the JSOW; the first took place in late 2007.
"Raytheon is focused on providing the warfighter the best value possible," said Phyllis McEnroe, Raytheon's JSOW program director. "This demonstration is just one of many ways Raytheon drives down costs while maintaining or enhancing a system's capability."
JSOW is a family of affordable air-to-ground weapons, employing an integrated GPS/Inertial Navigation System for targeting. The JSOW C-1 builds upon the combat-proven JSOW C by adding a data link, enabling the system to receive in-flight target updates from the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft. The weapon also has new seeker algorithms to allow the missile to hit moving maritime targets.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/5269/
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AGM-154C Joint Standoff Weapon [JSOW] JSOW-C
The Navy-only variant of JSOW is the AGM-154C. The JSOW Unitary (AGM-154C) variant has a terminal seeker, Autonomus Target Acquisition (ATA) capability, and a unitary warhead to enable the attack of blast/fragmentation targets. The JSOW Unitary will provide increased accuracy and lethality and the capability for aimpoint selection. The Unitary Systems Development and Demonstration (SD&D) program develops the terminal seeker and ATA capbility, and integrates these with a 500 lb class "Unitary" warhead, the British Royal Augmentation Charge (BROACH) Multiple Warhead System (MWS).
The AGM-154C, in addition to the common GPS/INS guidance, will use an autonomous imaging infrared seeker for target acquisition and terminal guidance. The JSOW-C incorporates a Raytheon-developed uncooled, long-wave infrared seeker with ATA algorithms, thus providing the Navy with a launch-and-leave weapon with standoff precision strike capability.
The BROACH MWS provides blast/fragmentation effects as well as enhanced penetration capability against hard point targets. The Broach warhead, consisting of an augmenting charge and a follow-through bomb, can be set to explode both warheads simultaneously or sequentially. The AGM-154C is designed to attack point targets vulnerable to blast and fragmentation effects and point targets vulnerable to penetration, such as industrial facilities, logistical systems, and hardened facilities. BROACH MWS development and integration risk is reduced significantly by the on going BROACH developmental efforts of the United Kingdom Storm Shadow Program, the JSOW Foreign Warhead Comparative Testing previously conducted, and the early provisioning for BROACH in the JSOW Unitary Roadmap.
In June 2002 a Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) test team and its industry partner, Raytheon Company, conducted a successful test of its AGM-154C Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) program at the NAVAIR Western Test Range Complex. This event marked the third successful free-flight demonstration of the JSOW Unitary (JSOW-C) warhead variant using waypoint navigation and autonomous target acquisition (ATA) capability. An F/A-18C/D pilot of test squadron VX-31 released the AGM-154C while flying at 14,000 feet and 0.75 Mach. The weapon then navigated autonomously through several waypoints to begin searching for the vertical target approximately 12 nautical miles from the launch point. Aircraft separation, mid-course guidance followed by target acquisition and subsequent impact were completed as predicted. This is the last in a series of initial seeker development and ATA algorithm tests. Unique to this test event, the target was a vertical structure that is representative of targets such as dams and building walls. Achieving impact for this sort of target greatly stresses the JSOW Unitary seeker.
Unitary variant Operational Evaluation (OPEVAL) and Low Rate Initial Production was planned for FY 2003, with Full Rate Production beginning in FY 2004. On 16 November 2004 Raytheon Company officially presented US Navy officials with the first production sample of the unitary/penetration variant of the Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW-C), the newest version of the unpowered air-to-ground weapon system. The delivery ceremony took place at Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson.
The Department of the Navy awarded Raytheon Company, Waltham, Mass., a $55.7 million contract to initiate Full Rate Production of the JSOW Unitary (JSOW-C) weapon on Dec. 23, 2004. The work was to be completed by Raytheon Missile Systems located in Tucson, Ariz. Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition John J. Young Jr. approved Full Rate Production after the weapon completed a highly successful series of tests by the Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force. The tests included a wide array of targets, ranging from radar sites to caves and hardened bunkers, and upon completion, the JSOW-C was graded as “Operationally Effective and Suitable” for military use.
As of early January 2005, plans called for the Navy to buy 189 JSOW-C weapons, logistics support and ancillary hardware under this first production contract. The JSOW-C will be the first U.S. weapon to incorporate the two-stage Broach lethal package developed by BAE Systems that provides blast, fragmentation and penetration capability and will be integrated on F/A-18C/D/E/F Hornet and Super Hornet aircraft and is compatible with the Joint Strike Fighter, F-15 Eagle, B-1 Lancer, B-2 Spirit, B-52 Stratofortress and F-16C/D Fighting Falcon aircraft. Weapons produced under the Low Rate Initial Production contract awarded in March 2003 began delivery in September 2004.
JSOW-C achieved initial operational capability in February 2005 with the U. S. Navy and Marine Corps. It is currently being produced for U.S. Navy and Marine Corps' F/A-18 Hornets and has been ordered by Poland and Turkey for use on F-16 Fighting Falcons.
As of early 2008 JSOW-C was in full-rate production. At that time the Navy reportedly intended to purchase a total of 7,000 JSOW-C missiles.
AGM-154C JSOW-C Block II
The JSOW program office has developed a JSOW-C Block II, which provides the same capability as its predecessor at nearly one-third lower cost. This proactive cost reduction initiative resulted in program savings of $421 million mostly by improving the modularity and simplicity of the JSOW’s design.
FY 2007 included funding to integrate a Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) based GPS receiver per the Joint Chiefs of Staff mandate. Concurrent with the SAASM integration, a new computer processor was integrated to replace the existing obsolete 486 processor. The effort focused on concurrent cost reduction opportunities (termed Block II). FY 2008 included funding to complete Follow-on Test & Evaluation of AGM-154C Block II. FY 2007-2013 includes funding to integrate new functionality into the Joint Mission Planning Systems (JMPS) and Common Unique Planning Component (CUPC).
AGM-154C-1 / JSOW-C-1 / JSOW Block III
The JSOW-C-1 variant, also known as a JSOW Block III, provides upgraded capability to strike moving land targets as well as maritime targets. The JSOW-C-1 will be introduced to the fleet as an engineering change proposal to the existing Block II JSOW-C base line. JSOW-C-1 will employ a secure, jam-resistant, high-speed digital tactical data link using Link-16. It also will provide attributes necessary for launch and control or relay of weapon data links by F/A-18E/F aircraft. Future increments will address other control platforms, weapon and data link options.
The JSOW-C-1 will incorporate new target tracking algorithms into the seeker for moving targets, giving Joint force commanders an affordable, air-delivered standoff weapon that is effective against fixed and relocatable land and maritime targets. The JSOW-C-1 system must maintain legacy JSOW-C functionality to be effective against point ?targets in or through adverse weather conditions, both day and night. JSOW-C-1 must provide low and high altitude launch capability to enable launch platforms to stand off beyond target point defenses. Used in conjunction with accurate targeting information and anti-radiation weapons, JSOW-C-1 will destroy enemy air defenses and create sanctuaries that permit the rapid transition to low-cost, direct attack ordnance.
The JSOW AGM-154C-1 variant recently entered the system design and development phase.
FY 2007-2010 also includes funding for development, integration, qualification and follow-on developmental/operational test and evaluation of a Network Enabled Weapon moving target capability into the JSOW Unitary weapon (termed Block III/AGM-154C-1). The moving target capability will be inserted as an engineering change proposal beginning with FY 2009 procured JSOW-C weapons. The new AGM-154C-1 capability will enable the weapon to attack sea moving targets via real-time pre-and post-launch targeting updates.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/agm-154c.htm
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Wärtsilä among 100 most sustainable corporations in the world
Monday, Feb 02, 2009
Wärtsilä Corporation, Press release, 30 January 2009, at 4.45 pm (EET)
Wärtsilä is, for the first time, included in the list of the 100 most sustainable companies in the world. The companies included in the Global 100 were considered to have managed their environmental, social and governance risks and opportunities best among their industry peers. The list was published at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on Wednesday.
"This recognition is a clear testimonial to Wärtsilä's long-term commitment to sustainable development, and it indicates that we are on the right track in developing our sustainability performance. This gives us an excellent platform on which to base the further improvement of our products, solutions, and our operations in general," says Marko Vainikka, General Manager, Sustainability, Wärtsilä Corporation.
The Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World is a project which was initiated by Corporate Knights Inc, in co-operation with a research firm Innovest Strategic Value Advisors Inc. Launched in 2005, the annual Global 100 is announced each year at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Source: Wärtsilä
http://www.yourshipbuildingnews.com/wärtsilä+among+100+most+sustainable+corporations+in+the+world_22744.html
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Beijing to unveil revitalization plan for shipbuilding sector soon
Monday, Feb 02, 2009
It is reported that China's shipbuilding industry's revitalization plan has been drafted following the release of support plan for auto industry and is to submit to the State Council for approval.
One principal in Zhejiang Development and Reform Commission said that it will strictly control the approval of new ship units and expanding projects in light of the current market downturn.
Mr Zhang Guangqin chairman of China Shipbuilding Association said that the revitalization plan for the sector covers a series of policies arranging from interior demand expanding, finance, tax and scientific research and mapped out a detailed development trend for China's ship industry in the coming 3 years.
China will establish development fund and financing & chartering company for the sector to ensure key shipbuilders orders completion and delivery. More Science and technology investments would be earmarked to help key enterprises' industrial upgrading and encourage mergers & acquisitions.
As the third largest shipbuilding country in the world, China is suffering the huge orders losses, leaving the ship producers into the hardest time in the history. Shipyards in Zhoushan, renowned as the City of Shipbuilding in China, are quiet with many ships unfinished at the moment, the traditional hot time for the sector.
An official said that domestic shipbuilding mills can hardly secure new orders after 2011 due to the contract suspension of European shipping industry impacted by the world financial crisis. So far, most Chinese shipbuilders have seen their delivery time extending to 2010. That means the international competition will be fiercer in days to come and the strong one will survive from the competition, while those inefficient ship-makers are set to be washed out.
According to the statistics from Singapore Pacific Basin Shipping Limited in early 2009, there are 382 new ship orders have been cancelled worldwide and China takes up half of the contract default, or 20 million DWT. Zhoushan COSCO, the subsidiary of Singapore COSCO Corporation has received cancellation for four ships and delaying requests for delivery for 12 vessels within one month.
A senior insider said that China's shipbuilding industry has expanded blindly before 2008 and the market downturn has helped squeezing out the bubbles in the sector. Only in Zhejiang province, there are nearly 2,000 private shipbuilding mills and the repeated construction can be seen everywhere with shrinking profits.
Compared with Japan and Korea, China owns cheap but high quality labors and rich land resources. Besides, the industry also enjoys the 17% export tax rebates, which help ensure the profit margin in the sector. As per the relevant surveyed statistics, the market shares of Chinese ship completion, new contracting tonnage and new building order books account for 19%, 42% and 28% of the world's total volume respectively in the first half of 2008, ranking the second all over the world.
http://www.yourshipbuildingnews.com/beijing+to+unveil+revitalization+plan+for+shipbuilding+sector+soon_22740.html
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‘Unsafe’ workplace seen in Hanjin deaths
By Maila Ager
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 13:30:00 02/03/2009
Filed Under: Employment, Labor, Congress
MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATE) “Unsafe acts” and “unsafe work conditions” are the reasons for the deaths of Filipino workers at the Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction in Subic Bay, Zambales, an official of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority said Tuesday.
Ramon Ogregado of the SBMA’s Support Service Group made this disclosure at the Senate’s committee on labor, headed by Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada that was investigating the reported rising incidence of deaths in the company.
Ogregado said 17 incidents that resulted in 19 deaths had been recorded by the SBMA.
“In the construction aspect, there were [a total] of nine fatalities, which were attributable to unsafe acts, meaning to say, this was partly due to the behavior of the workers when the incidents occurred and then three were due to the combination of having unsafe acts and unsafe working condition,” he said.
Ogregado said that in the ship building sector, there was a fatality that was caused by “unsafe acts” and five others caused by “unsafe conditions.”
The rest, Ogregado said, were non-work related and were “merely [due to] behavioral accidents.”
Also present at the hearing were Pyeong Jong Yu, general managing director of Hanjin, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority chairman Feliciano Salonga, SBMA administrator Armand Arreza, and some workers of Hanjin.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20090203-187162/Unsafe-workplace-seen-in-Hanjin-deaths
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Debt laden Korean yard on the chopping block
Tuesday, 03 February 2009
Cash strapped Korean yard is likely to be sold off to foreign investors. Its biggest creditor, Meritz Fire and Marine Insurance Co., is in talks with overseas investors to sell the shipbuilder. Two foreign funds have expressed interest in buying C&Heavy, which lost management control to its lenders in December amid discussions to reschedule debt. Seoul-based Meritz said it would seek approval for its plan from the other lenders yesterday, including Woori Bank, South Korea’s second largest. C&Heavy, based in the city of Mokpo, 400 kilometers south of Seoul, has a market value of 11.5 billion won ($8.3 million).
Source: SeaTradeAsia-Online
http://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=34506&Itemid=79
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Ocean freight rates drop 50%
Tuesday, 03 February 2009
Ocean freight rates for moving container boxes from Indian ports to Europe have come down by 50 per cent to $450 (about Rs 22,000) per twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) from $900 in the last one month. Industry representatives say freight rates, excluding bunker adjustment factor (BAF) and currency adjustment factor (CAF), would come to “zero level” before mid-2009. According to industry sources, the rates have dropped due to excess availability of space, non-availability of cargoes and the recent drop in crude oil prices.
A senior official from a European shipping line said exporters were paying only BAF, CAF and terminal handling charges. For instance, of the $450 paid by an exporter to move a TEU from an Indian port to Europe, BAF is around $400. Exporters hardly pay $30-40 as freight, which is expected to reach zero level in India by mid-2009.
He said that till mid-2008, shipping lines were making record profits in the Asia-Europe sector, but from last summer onwards, freight rates have been declining. Shipping lines operating between Indian and US ports have also witnessed 28 per cent drop in rates, which had come down to $1,000 (plus BAF) per TEU compared with $1,400 a month ago. The rates are expected to drop by another $100 by February-end.
Impact: A UK-based ship owner said since it was not possible to operate the vessels, it was better to keep the vessels idle at this juncture.
According to reports, the number of container ships lying idle has reached a historic high, with around 255 container vessels lying idle, which translates into 675,000 TEUs or 5.5 per cent of the global fleet. And the worst is apparently not over. Even this figure has been projected to reach 750,000 TEUs in early February.
Source: Business-Standard
http://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=34511&Itemid=79
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China's shipbuilders see profits up 50 percent in 2008, outlook gloom
Tuesday, 03 February 2009
Profits of China's shipbuilders rose 50 percent in 2008 from the same period a year ago, despite rising material costs and the appreciation of Renminbi, according to data released Monday by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). Profits jumped 50.5 percent to 28.34 billion yuan (4.05 billion U.S. dollars). The industry value totaled 118.3 billion yuan, up 61.2 percent year on year.
The nation's shipbuilders completed a production capacity of 28.81 million deadweight tons (DWT), or 29.5 percent of the world's total, up from 22.9 percent in 2007, according to MIIT figures.
New orders comprised 37.7 percent of the world's total, with a production capacity of 58.18 DWT. Current orders accounted for 35.5 percent of the total, with a capacity of 204.6 million DWT.
An official with the MIIT said China's shipbuilders had remarkably strengthened their capabilities in innovation and had improved their techniques notably in making bulk cargo ship, oil carrier and container ships.
They also had the world's leading techniques in making ships that could meet the standards of the international classification society, according to the MIIT official.
He warned, however, that as the global financial crisis begins to take a toll on the shipbuilding sector, the industry could face severe challenges in the coming two-to-three years.
He said it has become more difficult for shipbuilders to raise fund as there has been a sharp decrease in new orders and defaults on new orders are on the rise.
Source: Xinhua
http://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=34517&Itemid=79
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Coega on backburner
Tue, 03 Feb 2009 10:02
Projects worth R1-billion at the Coega harbour have been put on hold due to the global economic crisis, the Eastern Province Herald reported on Tuesday.
The crisis has led to a dramatic fall in world shipping volumes.
While volumes through all of South Africa's harbours have dropped, January volumes at Coega were down 44 percent down on the same month last year, the newspaper said.
While the National Port Authority told the Herald that no jobs would be lost because of the postponements at Coega's new deep-water port of Ngqura, several key contracts — which would have been a boost for the Eastern Cape economy would not be awarded.
Also, the NPA said staff lost through attrition would not be replaced.
However, Transnet told the newspaper that development at Ngqura was on track and that the port would be ready for the official opening later this year. This was in spite of the fact that several projects involving Ngqura had been dropped.
These included the construction of a administration building, the expansion of the container quay and a tug jetty.
However, none of the postponed projects had yet gone out to tender.
Infrastructure projects already under way, including the erection of six massive cranes, the port control building and the port entrance plaza, would not be affected.
A possible positive spin-off for Ngqura from the crisis-hit world maritime trade could be that major shipping lines would be looking for ports in which to "park" under-utilised or unused vessels, the Herald reported.
Sapa
http://business.iafrica.com/news/1490540.htm
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Sao Tome signs deal with oil giant
SAO TOME - The government of Sao Tome has signed an agreement with Angolan oil company Sonangol which will invest $30-million to build a port in the north of the island, an official said on Monday.
The deal, which was inked last weekend, guarantees that Sonangol will be exempted from taxes, said Arzemiro dos Prazeresa, director of the offshore zone authority for the two-island nation of Sao Tome and Principe off the west coast of Africa.
The plan includes the building of a depot to sell fuel to fishing and commercial vessels operating in the Gulf of Guinea, he said.
The government hopes the port will be fully operational in 2010 and will handle half of the daily maritime traffic in the Gulf of Guinea, which would amount to some 100 ships each day.
Angola's national oil giant also agreed to start preliminary feasibility studies into the extension and revamp of the airport and port of Sao Tome, said Antonio Aguiar, the chief of staff to Benjamin Vera Cruz, minister of public works and infrastructure.
"This agreement has been signed to allow for technical and financial studies" for the extension project, Aguiar said. "Sonangol is going to help the Sao Tome government financially to bring about those studies."
The resurgence of Angola, which was devastated by a 27-year civil war, has been almost entirely dependent on its oil output which accounts for about 85 percent of revenue.
It has now overtaken Nigeria as sub-Saharan Africa's largest oil producer, pumping around two million barrels per day, and is now the biggest supplier to China.
http://www.moneybiz.co.za/africa/africa.asp?story=316689aa-9026-46b3-a186-361963687840
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Pirates want $6m for gas tanker
02/02/2009 16:10 -
Berlin - Pirates who seized a German gas tanker in the Gulf of Aden are demanding $6m for the vessel's release, sources told Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa on Monday.
A spokesperson for the German operators of the MV Longchamp declined to confirm the demand.
The captain of the 3 500-ton ship had reportedly expressed fears for the safety of the 13-member crew - 12 Filipinos and one Indonesian - if the hijacking is not resolved peacefully.
The pirates on board the tanker contacted the Hamburg-based Bernhard Schulte ship management company Saturday, two days after seizing the vessel.
The tanker, transporting liquefied petroleum gas, was seized on Thursday morning, en route from Europe to the Far East.
The 100-metre-long vessel belongs to MPC Steamship, a branch of a German investment group, a spokesperson for the company in Hamburg said.
The MPC spokesperson said the ship had passed through the Suez Canal and waited for a day to join a convoy under Indian naval protection as it passed through pirate-infested waters.
However, the Indians could not prevent pirates from seizing the vessel, despite engaging the attackers in a firefight which left two pirates and one crew member injured.
The vessel was then steered away to the Somali coast. - Sapa-dpa
- SAPA
http://www.news24.com/News24/Africa/News/0,,2-11-1447_2462874,00.html
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Somali pirates free Turkish ship
30 minutes ago
NAIROBI (AFP) — Somali pirates have freed Turkish-owned cargo MV Bosphorus Prodigy and its crew of 11 after holding it for seven weeks, a non-governmental organisation said Tuesday.
The cargo ship and its crew of eight Ukrainians and three Turks were freed late Monday, according to Ecoterra International, an environmentalist organisation which had been closely monitoring Somali piracy.
"The crew of 11 is said to be well," Ecoterra said in its newsletter.
The Bosphorus Prodigy was hijacked by Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden on December 15 and had been held off the coast of the northern semi-autonomous state of Puntland.
The ship is sailing under an Antigua and Barbuda flag of convenience and belongs to the Istanbul-based Iskomarine Shipping and Trading company, which did not provide any immediate confirmation of the release.
Somali pirates are still holding 14 foreign vessels and close to 250 seamen in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden.
Among them is the MV Faina, a Ukrainian cargo loaded with battle tanks and ammunition, which has been hijacked since September 2008. Food supplies are believed to be low and talks over a ransom in limbo
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hr67AbVDXId1V-0u4H6XHYX4MykQ
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"China's National Defense in 2008" marks maximum transparency
16:13, February 03, 2009
On January 20, a white paper entitled "China's National Defense in 2008" was released.
"The white paper in 2008 disclosed for the first time China's national defense strategy goals. The transparency of strategic intent marks maximum transparency," said Dr. Chen Zhou, a research fellow at the Department of War Theory and Strategic Studies under the Academy of Military Science, and participated in the writing of the white papers as a member of the expert panel for many times.
For the first time the paper, which is the sixth national defense white paper the Chinese government has issued since 1998, makes public basic statistics on the changes in national defense expenditures over the past 30 years, publishes the number of border public security forces and introduces the size of the militia.
In separate chapters, for the first time, it also describes the development of the Army, the Navy, the Air Force and the Second Artillery Force and introduces the specialties of the Navy Reserve, the Air Force Reserve and the Second Artillery Force Reserve.
The white paper also outlines the structure and organization of the reserve forces, as well as the locations of headquarters of the naval fleets for the very first time.
All this new content and new highlights have brought new life to the 2008 national defense white paper.
Meanwhile, Dr. Chen observed that China's national defense white paper has always followed the main themes of taking the road of peaceful development and pursuing defensive policies in national defense. He also noticed that the white papers, tightly focused on national defense and military development, have become increasingly practical and open.
"In the white paper in 1998, there was no specific names given to the seven military area commands when they were mentioned. The white paper in 2000, however, began to introduce the system of headquarters, the system of arms and services and the system of military area commands of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). The white paper in 2002 took another important step in improving transparency, specifically mentioning ‘all types of aviation corps are equipped with 20 to 40 aircrafts and that the proportion of aircrafts to pilots (crews) stands at 1:1.2.' This noticeably amazed all large-sized think tanks in the US,"Chen said in an interview.
By People's Daily Online
http://paper.people.com.cn/rmrb/html/2009-02/03/content_185212.htm
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Defeating Somali pirates won't be easy
By Aaron Resnick
February 3, 2009
You know the security situation of a given region has taken a turn for the worse when Blackwater Worldwide, the security services behemoth best known for its work in Iraq, sees the downturn as a business opportunity. Recent reports indicate the North Carolina-based firm is building a small but potent flotilla to deliver maritime protection against the increased threat of international piracy.
Pirates were on the wane and marginalized to a select few global waterways only a few years ago, but their attacks have skyrocketed off Somalia's coast, the longest in Africa and located along one of the most heavily trafficked shipping lanes in the world. Controlling Somali piracy will take a potentially lengthy military and diplomatic campaign to reinstate the rule of law. The election of a moderate Islamic cleric as president over the weekend may be a step toward stability, but Somalia still faces daunting challenges.
The statistics are staggering: 111 pirate attacks off Somalia's coast in 2008, with more than 60 successful hijackings, representing almost 40 percent of worldwide attacks. The Chinese foreign ministry estimates that about 20 percent of its vessels have come under attack while passing near Somalia. Nearly 400 crew members along with their ships are currently being held for ransom.
As a result, the international shipping industry is taking quite a hit. Insurance premiums are rising, and many shippers are seriously considering rerouting their cargo around Africa's southern tip. Higher premiums and longer voyages raise the cost of goods worldwide just as much of the world is in the midst of a recession.
The international community is responding. The U.S., India, Russia, Denmark and now China and Japan have sent naval vessels to escort ships and respond to distress calls. The U.N. Security Council recently unanimously adopted a resolution allowing coalition forces to chase pirates onto Somali territory. It also established a piracy intelligence-sharing "contact" group.
While Washington, the European Union and others should be commended for their efforts, the situation is likely to worsen. Piracy is big business in Somalia, a country that hasn't had a functioning government for close to two decades. Ransoms have swelled into the millions of dollars, and attacks have become bolder.
Like many international security concerns, Somali piracy cannot be fully combated by force alone. The problem is merely a symptom of a country on the brink of humanitarian disaster.
Solving the Somali piracy crisis will thus take a combination of a robust international naval presence, a mechanism to prosecute captured pirates, a political settlement between warring Somali factions and solid intelligence work. Without meaningful consequences, Somali pirates have little incentive to change their behavior.
More nations such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia should offer naval and intelligence assistance to the coalition already in place. Coordination by the U.N. contact group is essential to effectively prevent and respond to pirate attacks. Recently, Washington and Britain reached agreements with Kenya to transfer pirate suspects for trial in Nairobi. This positive step should be duplicated by other nations whose navies are involved in anti-piracy operations near Somalia.
The political aspect of ending Somali piracy is unfortunately more difficult - and more important. The United Nations must make tough decisions about what it is prepared to do. The most obvious answer is to bolster the existing African Union mission in the lawless nation. Beyond boosting training and logistical support as well as adding reinforcements to the mission, Washington and its allies must at a minimum ensure that relief supplies can safely reach Somalia's ports.
An international coalition patrolling the Horn of Africa's waterways is not a long-term solution to Somali piracy. However, it may prevent the problem from reaching epidemic proportions and buy time for Washington and other concerned nations to finally broker and implement a deal to bring peace and stability to Somalis, who increasingly barely remember it.
Aaron Resnick is a policy analyst at the George Washington University Homeland Security Policy Institute. The views expressed here are his own. His e-mail is aaron.resnick@gwumc.edu.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bal-op.piracy03feb03,0,6696409.story
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Live Piracy Report
The IMB Live Piracy Report (replacing the Weekly Piracy Report) displays all Piracy and Armed Robbery incidents reported to the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre in the last ten days.
Incident Details:
29.01.2009: 0340 UTC: Posn: 14:10N – 049:58E: Gulf of Aden.
Heavily armed pirates in a speed boat chased and fired upon a LPG tanker underway. Pirates boarded and hijacked the tanker and are sailing it to an undisclosed location in Somalia. Further reports awaited.
29.01.2009: 0345 LT: Posn: 06:10.4S - 108:25.5E, Balongan anchorage, Indonesia.
Four robbers boarded a chemical tanker at anchor. They tried to enter into the accommodation but were noticed by the duty crew who raised the alarm. Upon hearing the alarm, the robbers climbed down into their boat and escaped. Master broadcast a security alert message to all ships in the vicinity and tried to call Balongan radio but received no response.
29.01.2009: 0620 UTC: Posn: 12:27.7N - 044:10.5E, Gulf of Aden.
Armed pirates in a six speed boats surrounded a bulk carrier underway. Master raised alarm, took evasive manoeuvres and crew activated fire hoses. One of the speedboats chased the vessel for about one mile. Seeing the alert crew and the aggressive manoeuvres the pirates stopped chasing the ship. Later the Master noticed another five boats waiting in the vicinity of the ship. Master immediately activated SSAS and contacted the coalition forces. A Chinese coalition helicopter arrived at 0710 UTC and chased the pirates away. Later, a German coalition navy arrived at the location. Ship continues her voyage.
28.01.2009: 23.40 UTC: Posn: 06:43.7S – 039:18.5E, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Four robbers in a small wooden boat attempted to climb onboard an anchored container vessel. Alert duty watchmen informed the duty officer who raised the general alarm and directed the ship search light towards the robbers. Seeing that they were noticed the robbers aborted and moved away. Port control was informed.
27.01.2009: 0636 UTC: Gulf of Aden.
A crude oil tanker sighted a suspicious blue-hull speed boat, 10m length with 5-6 people on Hdg 358° Speed 14 kts. Vessel reported the craft to Indian warship in the vicinity. Helicopter deployed by the vessel. The warship later proceeded to the position and arrested the five pirates along with their weapons ammunition. THIS INCIDENT NOT INCLUDED IN IMB STATISTICS
http://www.icc-ccs.org/index.php?option=com_fabrik&view=table&tableid=26&calculations=0&Itemid=82
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Regards
Snooper
NNNN
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