Armed security guards protect Norwegian ships

Some ships are more prone to attacks than others, according to Morten Alsaker Lossius in the Norwegian Maritime Directorate. Low speeds and low freeboards can make it easier for pirates to climb onboard, and more challenging for vessels to mount a defense.

One of the biggest groups of pirates that operate in the area off the coast of East Africa are from Somalia, and often approach ships in small speedboats. They operate using long ladders and arms, and try to hijack ships traveling around the Horn of Africa on their way to or from the Suez Canal.

As of this year, Norwegian authorities allowed Norwegian ships to carry armed guards. According to the Norwegian Maritime Directorate, only two ships have used their weapons so far.

Still, the waters don’t seem to get less dangerous. The Norwegian vessel "Nordic Apollo" was attacked by pirates earlier this week, and had to fire several warning shots before the pirates disappeared. According to the shipping line’s CEO, Herbjørn Hansson, it would be irresponsible not to have weapons on board.

"I have spoken to our staff, and they are very happy with this arrangement because it gives them an increased sense of security," Hansson says.

(NRK)

Julie Ryland