LTL Carrier

The effect of pirates on freight shipments has come to the attention of global news as pirates based in Somalia have seized vessels in recent months. The problem has exploded into huge proportions that are affecting the bottom line of shipping business and manufacturers around the world.

Somalia has been without a functional government for several years. A civil war tore the nation apart and the government that is officially in charge of the nation is powerless to stop the lawlessness on the coastline waters. The economy is in a shambles and those who were in in the unofficial armies and poor fishermen have learned to put together their skills and engage in money-making tactics that have produced what add up to between 150 and 200 million dollars in ransoms.

Dangerous pirates move towards a ship that is tipping the Horn of Africa, take the sailors, ship and freight for ransom, and then demand several million dollars in money be paid for the freedom of the sailors and ship. The pirates are interested only in the money and have been willing to let go the sailors and cargo without harm when their demands are met. For a while, shipping business and national ruling bodies were more than willing to pay the ransoms to secure the freedom of the sailors and freight. The pirates have been brave, even seizing Russian tanks for a brief period of time.

The effect of pirates on freight shipping businesses has been devastating, not only millions of dollars in ransoms but expensive delays. Disrupted shipments have created a new wrinkle in delivery dates as most prisoners and merchandise have stayed under Somali control for a month or two at a time before being released. The logistics business has the responsibility of organizing the transportation of freight and is forced to appease shipment buyers as the freight stays in Somali ports undelivered.

Multi national incidents have accelerated as governments have chosen to respond with an armed military presence. The military ships began patrolling international seas but have now moved into Somali sovereign seas with the government�s approval. The military presence has slowed the pirates but the threat remains.

Where ransoms are being made, sophisticated weapons are available. Pirates are brandishing with automatic rifles and grenade launchers, typically a recognizable danger to unarmed or lightly armed sailors on the victim vessels. fast vessels are the boats preferred and freighters stand little chance of outrunning them.

Nations as different as South Korea, Japan, India, Russia and the United States have sent their militaries to escort their vessels through the area. As firepower has arrived, inevitable altercations between attacking pirates and the defending navies have led to the deaths of pirates and without guilt civilians. An Indian vessel even fired on another ship that was mistakenly thought to be carrying pirates, but didn`t.

The psychological affect on civilian sailors has led to near panic when suspected pirates have approached. Captured crew members have been treated well so far but there�s no assurance that this will continue.