The Nigerian Navy and PGS– a UK-based maritime security company– on Friday launched the Secure Anchorage Area (SAA) offshore in Lagos State to check piracy in the area.
Mr Sven Hanson, Operations Director, SAA, said that the c.10 Nautical Miles (NM) would provide protection for vessels waiting to berth, or engaging in ship-to-ship operations offshore Lagos.
Hanson said that the launch was a follow up to an agreement reached between the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Navy and Nigeria Maritime Administration Safety Agency (NIMASA).
Others were the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Department for Petroleum Resources (DPR), SAA and Ocean Maritime Security.
“Piracy has existed in the Gulf of Guinea for over 30 years.
“We believe that the Nigerian vessel now needs protection from pirates.
“The Secure Anchorage Area will, therefore, be offering protection to Nigerian domestic shipping companies from piracy.
“The SAA project was conceptualised to provide Nigerian ship owners and charterers with compliant and effective solutions, “ he said.
Mr Peter Carter, British Deputy High Commissioner, expressed optimism that the launched project would be of great economic importance to Nigeria.
Carter commended the British company for partnering the Nigerian Navy in checking piracy in the anchorage area.
“This is a good public-private-partnership between the British company and the Nigerian Navy.
“It involves high technology in fighting against activities of pirates in the area, “ he said. (NAN)
