As a result of the recent development in piracy hijackings in the area, AP Moller-Maersk has updated its policy for vessels entering the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of East Africa.
For the time being, vessels without adequate speed or freeboard will avoid the Gulf of Aden and seek alternative routing south of the Cape of Good Hope and east of Madagascar.
However, based on the availability of escorts, these vessels may join naval convoy transit in the Gulf of Aden.
Maersk says that the policy change will primarily impact its tanker vessels. Only three container vessels will be affected, and the Maersk expects to further limit the impact by redeployment.
In general, and for vessels entering the Gulf of Aden, Maersk has safety and security procedures in place, and continues to monitor the situation and regularly update its procedures and policies.
"We believe that piracy in the Gulf of Aden is a threat to important international trade lanes and therefore an international security issue," said Soren Skou, partner and member of AP Moller-Maersk's executive board. "It must be addressed by relevant authorities and the international community. It is not a problem that AP Moller-Maersk or the shipping industry can solve alone."
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