Typhon emphasises need to fill void as anti-piracy measures look set to once again shrink
As the defence budgets of leading countries around the world are cut, anti-piracy operations are being hard hit. The US could be the latest country to cut anti-piracy spending, meaning a further reduction to the forces patrolling the area around Somalia.
Although there has been a recent decline in attacks, it is estimated that 40% of this decline can be attributed to the presence of warships that have previously been contributed by countries including the US and UK.
Ant Sharp, CEO of Typhon explained, “Take away the deterrent and the problem will return. While some claim there has been a reduction in piracy in recent years; pirates are opportunists, and any that have previously been deterred will soon see opportunity renewed as deterrents disappear.”
Worryingly this reduction of anti-piracy measures is coinciding with other environmental factors, which together could see a sharp rise in piracy levels. Reports are showing that illegal overfishing from other foreign fishermen is endangering the livelihoods of fishermen in both Nigeria and Senegal.
“Their complaints are strikingly similar to those voiced by Somalia’s shortly before the boom in piracy. What starts as a defence of their livelihoods can quickly escalate into piracy as impoverished fishermen seek a living. If this pattern is repeated we could see an expansion of pirate hotspots to include the West Coast of Africa, an area that currently has no UK, EUNAVFOR or US Naval presence”
Ant concluded, “We continue to see regular acts of piracy even at a time when the levels are considered low. With ships still carrying 90% of the world’s cargo, including essential commodities like oil and gas, the void left by the cuts must be filled. Typhon’s convoy service offers a replacement for the service being withdrawn due to cutbacks, and also offers services including offshore rig and port protection.”
ABOUT TYPHON
Typhon is the first naval-grade private convoy protection for 220 years.
The company’s mother-ship, marines and fast patrol boats carry a satellite-led early warning system (‘ATLAS’) detecting potential threats at long range.
Typhon is operated by senior ex-RN and RM officers, with the backing of two major international shipping companies.
The board includes Simon Murray CBE, General Lord Dannatt, General Deverell and Admiral Ulrich (USN 4*).
Typhon’s fully Integrated Protection Model reduces shippers’ risks and costs.