Brussels claims success

Companies registering ships via the EU Navfor website were less likely to be victim of an attack than those choosing to go it alone off the Somali coast.
“Since December 12, 2008, 41 attacks have been confirmed in the area of operations, resulting in seven actual hijackings.
Only one of the seven hijacked vessels was following EU Navfor recommendations,” the EU Council of Ministers said, referring to the period to March 1.
The EU Atalanta operation, the bloc’s first maritime venture, escorted 11 World Food Program vessels over the period, carrying 60,000 tonnes of food each week to the strife-ridden nation.
Rather than being escorted, commercial vessels are organised into convoys, which are then watched over by EU navy vessels stationed at strategic points.
Ship operators register vessels over a website and are given convoy start times and locations.
“The EU mission is not alone in the region,” the Council of Ministers pointed out.
“Efficient coordination both with the shipping industry and with other naval units deployed by maritime powers [Russia, China and India] or groups [US-led coalition TF 151 plus Nato] is therefore essential.
“The Maritime Security Centre (Horn of Africa) website – developed by operational headquarters in conjunction with the shipping industry – and voluntary exchange of information and best practices, are the means through which efficient coordination is being achieved.”