GP Window Films
More About Pirates
Maritime Security
“Over the years I have dealt with several window film suppliers, but GP Systems is the only one with the proven flexibility to meet the reactive demands of the marine industry. GP Systems’ made to measure ‘self-fit’ service provides vessel protection at short notice of a Gulf of Aden transit.“Richard Hussey, Managing Director, Wavetrain Maritime Security Ltd
How Maritime Pirates Attack
Pirate Ships
Pirates use small motorised skiffs to approach and board vessels. The range of these boats used to constrain the range of attacks to near the shore.
To avoid the increased anti-piracy naval patrols in the Gulf of Aden, pirates are using mother ships disguised as fishing vessels, launching skiffs to attack shipping up to 1000nm off shore and into the Indian Ocean. With less opportunity for rapid naval intervention, pirates are launching longer and more sustained attacks on vessels in this area.
Stopping the Vessel
Although pirate attacks are made on ships at anchor in some parts of the world, the majority of pirate attacks are now made on vessels underway in open sea.
This gives the pirates the problem of stopping or slowing a moving vessel. Pirates are often armed with automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenades (RPGs) and have fired on vessels in an attempt to slow or stop them.
Bomb blast window film can prevent the devastating effect of flying glass caused by bullets or grenade explosions, providing a cost effective way of reducing the risk to crew and passengers.
Hijacking and Robbery
Pirates attack a vessel with the motive of either hijacking or robbery, which can be a major factor in the violence used in the attack.
Somali Pirates
Somali pirates attempt to board a vessel and take control, then sail to the Somali coast where the vessel, crew and cargo are held to ransom.
Nigerian Pirates
Incidents off the coast of Nigeria largely involve robberies rather than hijacking, so the crew have no ransom value to the pirates. Attacks are much more likely to involve violence towards the crew than anywhere else in the world, with one crew killed last year after the vessel was looted.
We can help
As well as being a leader in the maritime installation of bomb blast window film, we've teamed up with some of the best maritime security consultants and suppliers in the business to provide a totally managed maritime security solution.
Call 0845 003 7260 for a no-obligation discussion about your implementation. An expert is available who is there to help you, or contact us online.