AFM assist in protected food transportation

The Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) have contributed to the EU Navfor Atalanta in collaboration with the Royal Netherlands Navy warship HNLMS Zuiderkruis for the second time since 2010.

The AFM said the team trained for 18 months for the convoy operations and sent a Vessel Protection Detachment (VPD) to escort vessels chartered by the World Food Programme to deliver food between 31 October and 7 November.

The aim of the VPD was to transport a small armed force on a vessel in order to ensure protection against acts of piracy or armed robbery at sea.

“During the transit the AFM VPD was deployed in order to provide additional protection for MV Baltic Cruiser. Once in Mogadishu, the food vessel was safely delivered into the hands of local authorities,” the AFM said.

More than 300 piracy related incidents were reported throughout 2011. In the eventuality of a pirate attack, the team would assist the master to conduct counter measures and have resources to dissuade pirates from continuing with their pursuit.

Throughout this convoy HNLMS Zuiderkruis was also in the vicinity to add additional anti piracy capabilities.

The C Special Duties AFM team and Rapid Deployment Team were hosted aboard the HNLMS Zuiderkruis.

The Dutch warship acted as the AFM VPD’s mother ship for the second consecutive year and provided the required support to AFM troops whilst on duty.

The team boarded the MV Baltic Cruiser in Mombasa to escort the ship to Mogadishu, Somalia.

The deployment of VPDs on vulnerable merchant vessels was part of a set of recommendations that had been recently released by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), which is a sub organisation of the United Nations.

“HNLMS Zuiderkruis currently participates in operation ‘Atalanta’, which is coordinated by the European Union. The primary aim is to protect ships of the World Food Program. With their participation, HNLMS Zuiderkruis and the AFM VPD contribute to the delivery of emergency help to the country of Somalia which suffers from severe famine,” the AFM said.