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These days, it is impossible to watch or read any news publication, maritime or not, and not know about pirates operating in the Gulf of Aden.  The hijacking of the M/V Faina last month carrying 33 Ukranian tanks and other military equipment, has sparked worldwide interest in the staggering growth of incidents.  Just today Bloomberg reported a pirate attacks have climbed five-fold in the Gulf of Aden for first nine months of this year with 51 boardings or attempts to board.  Yesterday, it was announced that NATO is sending 7 warships to the area to assist with escorts and patrols.

The problem has lead to increased insurance premiums, a sense of unease when navigating the area and cries for help from ship owners.  Well to answer those cries, one US company is taking matters into its own hands and has deployed a ship to the area to help with efforts.

Blackwater USA, the private military organization known as either a private security firm or a mercenary organization (depending on your political beliefs) plans to send its 183-ft. M/V McArthur to the Gulf of Aden. As we reported in a previous gCaptian post, the vessel boasts “state of the art navigation systems, full GMDDSS communications, SEATEL Broadband, dedicated command and control bas, helicopter decks, hospital and multiple support vessel capabilities.” [Continue Reading →]

Pictured above is the newly refurbished ex-NOAA vessel McArthur, a 183-ft. ship that boasts “state of the art navigation systems, full GMDDSS communications, SEATEL Broadband, dedicated command and control bas, helicopter decks, hospital and multiple support vessel capabilities.”

What’s newsworthy about this vessel is the company that purchased it, Blackwater USA, the private military organization known as either a private security firm or a mercenary organization… depending on your political beliefs.  What’s even more striking is the company’s partner in its new maritime endeavor, the United States Maritime Academy’s Global Maritime and Transportation School. In a recent press release they write:

Blackwater today unveiled its plans to create a new subsidiary; Blackwater Maritime Security Solutions.

Blackwater Maritime Security Solutions (BMSS), in a strategic partnership with the Global Maritime and Transportation School (GMATS) at the U. S. Merchant Marine Academy, and other professional maritime organizations and industry leaders will focus on providing world-class tactical maritime security training, professional maritime security services, and cutting-edge maritime security vulnerability assessments and plans in accordance with the International Maritime Organization (IMO)-mandated International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code.

BMSS will also provide international anti and counter-piracy, and anti and counter-terrorism security programs led by the world’s finest maritime special operations and security professionals.

BMSS will soon offer its complete tactical maritime security training services aboard fully operational maritime platforms. This capability allows BMSS to conduct real-world tactical training for maritime force protection units while underway, at anchor, or in port.