Vessels to boycott pirate-infested Gulf of Aden

Vessels are increasingly avoiding the Gulf of Aden out of concern for the safety of seafarers and to ensure the safe delivery of cargo.

Danish shipping giant AP Moller said that the changes would mostly affect their tanker routes, however, three container vessels would also be affected, but that they would limit the impact for redeployment. “In general and for vessels entering the Gulf of Aden, we have safety and security procedures in place,” said an AP Moller Maersk-issued statement. The vessels will instead sail via the Cape of Good Hope and East of Madagascar. Meanwhile, INTERTANKO has voiced its support for all tanker operators who have declared their intention to boycott the area off Somalia’s coast and the Gulf of Aden. “Our concern remains for the safety of seafarers and for the lack of effective naval protection,” said a statement issued by NTERTANKO.
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