Russian warships deployed in regions of pirate attacks near the Horn of Africa and the Gulf of Aden have significantly contributed to reducing number of captured merchant vessels, and proved effectiveness of measures taken by Russian defense ministry and Russian Navy command to secure commercial shipping.
International Maritime Bureau (IMB) reports that in 2011 pirates managed to capture almost half as many vessels as in 2010 (28 and 49 respectively). Such reduction is a result of preventive actions of warships, more effective maneuvering, and presence of security guards on board which has been a sort of deterrent, explained Pottengal Mukudan, the head of IMB.
In 2011, Russian warships maintaining security of commercial shipping in the Gulf of Aden and near the Horn of Africa have escorted over 30 convoys with 168 vessels of different classes flying flags of 27 countries. Sixty two ships had Russian sailors on board. Russian Navy’s anti-piracy units have provided security for 448 Russian citizens.
Russian Navy dispatched following assets for anti-piracy activities in 2011:
– Pacific Fleet (PF) task unit consisting of large ASW ship Admiral Vinogradov, tanker Pechenga, and rescue tug SB–522; – Russian Navy task unit consisting of large ASW ship Severomorsk (Northern Fleet), tanker Yelnya (Baltic Fleet), and seagoing tug MB-304 (Black Sea Fleet); – Pacific Fleet (PF) task unit consisting of large ASW ship Admiral Panteleyev, tanker Boris Butoma, and rescue tug Fotiy Krylov.
At present, another PF anti-piracy task unit consisting of large ASW ship Admiral Tributs , tanker Pechenga , and seagoing tug MB-37 is on patrol in the Gulf of Aden.
[mappress] World Maritime News Staff, January 24, 2012