Maritime News

The Greek-flagged tanker, the Maran Centaurus, was hijacked by Somali pirates about 800 miles off the coast of Somalia. The tanker is carrying about 275,000 metric tons of crude oil worth just over $20 million. 

 
More than half of the world’s oil supply is carried on huge oil tankers. Eight percent of global oil shipments travel through the narrow, pirate-infested Gulf of Aden that passes through the Red Sea to the Suez Canal. Another five percent of oil shipments are routed down the east African coast and around South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope. The Maran Centaurus was headed along this route on its way from Saudi Arabia to New Orleans.

 
Protecting huge oil tankers is difficult as they often travel at slower speeds. The Maran Centaurus was traveling at approximately 11 knots when it was attacked. Most hijackings occur on ships traveling at speeds less than 20 knots.

 
In addition, guns are not allowed on the decks of oil tankers.  Because oil is so flammable, there is a high risk of fire or explosion.  An accident or gun fire could lead to an oil spill that would devastate thousands of miles of ocean and coastline. Expenses and legal issues rule out armed escorts on separate ships.

 
The 28 crew members were uninjured in the attack.

 
Pirates are currently holding more than a dozen vessels and 200 crew hostage.

 
Last month, the crew of the American freighter, the Maersk Alabama, repelled pirates in their second pirate attack.