Although there has been a recent decline in
attacks, it is estimated that 40 per cent 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, the first naval-grade private convoy
protection service for 220 years, said, “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.”
The 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 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”
Sharp concluded, “We continue to see regular acts of piracy even at a
time when the levels are considered low. With ships still carrying 90
per cent 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service offers a replacement for the service being withdrawn due to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.”
Typhon is operated by senior ex-Royal Navy and Royal Marine 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*).