Dockwise Requests more Leeway from Netherlands Government to Counteract Pirates
(Thomson Reuters ONE) -
Breda, the Netherlands, June 8, 2011. Dockwise urges the Netherlands government
to allow for better protection on its vessels to counteract piracy in the Gulf
of Aden and the Indian Ocean. As the ability of governments to offer military
protection is limited, the ability for ship owners to employ additional private
protection is of the utmost importance. Despite several appeals, private
protection onboard Dutch vessels could meet with legal impediments. Other
nations do allow for such added protection measures. Dockwise eventually may be
forced to have its vessels sail under a different flag if restrictions are not
eased imminently.
On the growing piracy problem André Goedée, Dockwise's CEO, comments: "As an oil
and gas service provider, our vessels - which as a consequence of their specific
nature have been labeled by experts to be very vulnerable to pirate attacks -
have to enter pirate-infested waters most months of the year. At this point we
are not allowed to protect our employees adequately against pirates, while other
nations do allow for added security measures. Our clients, too, request added
security measures for their employees and cargoes on-board. In the interest of
our employees and because of the increasing pressure from the industry itself,
we may be forced to seek other alternatives - such as bringing the vessels under
a different jurisdiction and flag - if regulations are not adapted quickly. We
would regret having to take such a decision, but we are left with no choice
should the Dutch government remain idle."
Dockwise has directed attention to the piracy problem through various channels
in the recent past. Territorial protection by means of patrolling naval vessels
or having military personnel onboard for personal and object protection are
desired solutions. However, in view of the size of the area and the sheer number
of vessels that pass through this area, the navy cannot be expected to respond
to each distress call in time. Unlike in other nations, Dutch law does not allow
for armed private security companies to be contracted. The protection of vessels
by means of armed escort vessels - contracted by the cargo's owner - in some
isolated cases can be a solution, but many cargo owners are unable or not
prepared to contract private security companies.
Although it is clear that a long term sustainable solution to the piracy problem
necessitates a much wider and structural approach including international
engagement of people and authorities in the relevant areas, the improvement of
prosecution and imprisonment of pirates, coordinated attacks on mothervessels
and many other measures, a solution for the dangerous problems that ships face
this very moment is required in the very short term. Dockwise makes an urgent
appeal to the Dutch government to pro-actively seek an effective solution to the
problem of vessel protection, including the ability to contract adequate private
security. Dutch vessels must be able to offer the same level of security to
employees and clients as those vessels that sail under flags of other nations.
For further information please contact:
Fons van Lith
M: +31 (0)6 51 314 952 or T: +31 (0)76 5484116
E:fons.van.lith(at)dockwise.com
About Dockwise Ltd/Dockwise Group
Dockwise Ltd., a Bermuda incorporated company, has a workforce of more than
1,200 people both offshore and onshore. The company is the leading marine
contractor providing total transport services to the offshore, onshore and
yachting industries as well as installation services of extremely heavy offshore
platforms. The Group is headquartered in Breda, the Netherlands. The Group's
main commercial offices are located in the Netherlands, the United States and
China with sales offices in Korea, Australia, Brazil, Russia, Singapore,
Malaysia, Mexico and Nigeria. The Dockwise Yacht Transport business unit is
headquartered in Fort Lauderdale and has an office in Italy. The Dockwise
Shipping network is supported by agents in Norway, Argentina and Italy.
To support all of its services to customers, the group also has three additional
engineering centers in Houston, Breda and Shanghai, manufactures specific motion
reduction equipment such as LMU (Leg Mating Units) and DMU (Deck Mating Units)
and owns a fleet of 19 purpose built semi-submersible vessels.
Dockwise shares are listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under ticker DOCK and on
NYSE Euronext Amsterdam under ticker DOCKW.
For further information: www.dockwise.com
This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section
5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
This announcement is distributed by Thomson Reuters on behalf of
Thomson Reuters clients. The owner of this announcement warrants that:
(i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and
other applicable laws; and
(ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and
originality of the information contained therein.
Source: Dockwise Ltd via Thomson Reuters ONE
[HUG#1521958]
Unternehmensinformation / Kurzprofil:
Datum: 08.06.2011 - 07:00 Uhr
Sprache: Deutsch
News-ID 55389
Anzahl Zeichen: 5717
contact information:
Town:
Breda
Kategorie:
Business News
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"Dockwise Requests more Leeway from Netherlands Government to Counteract Pirates"
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