The European Union Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) on Friday marked the ninth anniversary of its Operation Atalanta, the successful counter-piracy operation that has greatly contributed to curbing Somali-based piracy off the Horn of Africa and in the Western Indian Ocean. During the past eight years, Operation Atalanta’s mission has been focussed on four main aspects. First, it … [Read more...]
Shipowners Welcome EU Extension of Counter-Piracy Naval Patrols
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has welcomed the extension of the counter-piracy naval operation EUNAVFOR Operation Atalanta through 2018, calling threat of piracy off the Horn of Africa and Western Indian Ocean still "extremely high". The statement follows the EU Council's decision in November to continue to deploy military forces for counter piracy operations … [Read more...]
EU Naval Commander: No Room for Complacency Despite Dip in Somali Piracy
EU Naval Force Operation Commander warned a room full of shipping executives that while Somali piracy in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden is down, there is no room for complacency regarding the on-going threat. Major General Martin Smith MBE gave the warning at a meeting Wednesday with senior shipping industry representatives, part of the London International … [Read more...]
EU Extends Somali Counter-Piracy Operation Through 2016
The European Union’s counter-piracy EU Naval Force Somalia - Operation Atalanta, has been extended by two more years as the threat of Somali piracy remains even as the number and boldness of incidents has decreased dramatically. Operation Atalanta's main focus is the protection of World Food Programme vessels delivering humanitarian aid to Somalia, as well as the deterrence, … [Read more...]
Suspected Pirates Found Not Guilty in Mauritius
Twelve Somali nationals have been acquitted of piracy charges in the Republic of Mauritius in the small island nation's first maritime piracy trial since agreeing with the EU to accept suspected pirates for prosecution. The twelve men, ages 20 to 45 according to the AFP, were accused of attacking the Panamanian-flagged containership 'MSC Jasmine' on January 5, 2013 in the … [Read more...]