SPS CANARIAS escorting the MV MASAR TRADE

Between the 11 and 18 January 2011, the EU NAVFOR Italian warship ITS Zeffiro and the Spanish warship SPS CANARIAS successfully completed the escort of the MV MASAR TRADE, chartered by the United Nations World Food Program (WFP).

The ITS ZEFFIRO started the escort and then handed over to SPS CANARIAS, which completed the final stages.
MV MASAR TRADE, sailing under the flag of the Comoros Islands, was transporting a substantial amount of food aid for Somalia.  The vessel reached the Somali port of Berbera safely on 18 January delivering a further 2,223 tonnes of food and other goods.

It is EU NAVFOR’s priority mission to escort WFP merchant vessels carrying humanitarian aid, along with vessels of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

A considerable part of the Somali population is living in poverty and millions of people are dependent on the help offered by the international community. It is therefore of particular importance that these food transports arrive at their destination safely, without being targeted by pirates.

Since the beginning of the operation in 2008, 92 WFP chartered vessels have already been safely escorted by EU NAVFOR warships. These escorts helped in the delivery of 474,000 metric tons of food to Somali, feeding on average 1,138,000 Somalis each day.

EU NAVFOR Somalia – Operation ATALANTA’s main tasks are to escort merchant vessels carrying humanitarian aid of the World Food Program (WFP) and vessels of  African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). EU NAVFOR also protects vulnerable vessels in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, deters and disrupts piracy. EU NAVFOR finally monitors fishing activity off the coast of Somalia.

EUNAVFOR German ship FGS Hamburg escorting the WFP chartered MV FADHIL RABI in the vicinity of Berbera

The MV FATHIL RABI, chartered by the World Food Program (WFP), was safely escorted by the two EUNAVFOR warships HS ADRIAS and FGS HAMBURG over the last 2 weeks, helping in the delivery of 2,397 metric tons of food to Somalia.

The Greek ship HS ADRIAS first escorted the vessel from Mombasa (Kenya) to Berbera (Somalia), with the German ship FGS HAMBURG escorting it from Berbera to Bossasso (Somalia). 

The Estonian Vessel Protection Detachment (VPD), operating from the FGS HAMBURG, was embarked onboard the MV FATHIL RABI during the return transit.

EUNAVFOR Somalia – Operation ATALANTA’s main tasks are to escort merchant vessels carrying humanitarian aid of the World Food Program (WFP) and vessels of  African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). EUNAVFOR also protects vulnerable vessels in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, deters and disrupts piracy. In addition, EUNAVFOR monitors fishing activity off the coast of Somalia.

EU NAVFOR Spanish warship SPS INFANTA CRISTINA completing the escort of the Merchant Vessel VICTORIA, chartered by the World Food Program

This week, the EU NAVFOR Spanish warship SPS INFANTA CRISTINA completed the escort of the Merchant Vessel VICTORIA, chartered by the World Food Program, until Bosaasso (Somalia). 

On 21 October, the EU NAVFOR ship SPS INFANTA CRISTINA left Djibouti for Berbera (Somalia), escorting the MV VICTORIA. On 26 October, the warship conducted a second escort of the vessel from Berbera to Bosaasso.

Both escorts in this pirate-infested area were carried out smoothly and without any incident. They enabled the World Food Program to deliver a total of 7,660 tons of humanitarian aid (pulses, maize and corn-soya blend) to the population in Somalia.

Since the beginning of the operation in 2008, 95 WFP chartered vessels have already been safely escorted by warships. These escorts helped in the delivery of 465,000 metric tons of food to Somali, feeding on average 1,350,000 Somalis each day.

EU NAVFOR Somalia – Operation ATALANTA’s main tasks are to escort merchant vessels carrying humanitarian aid of the World Food Program (WFP) and vessels of  African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). EU NAVFOR also protects vulnerable vessels in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, deters and disrupts piracy. EU NAVFOR finally monitors fishing activity off the coast of Somalia.

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EU NAVFOR Swedish warship HSwMS CARLSKRONA escorting MV PETRA 1

On 18 October, the EU NAVFOR Swedish warship HSwMS CARLSKRONA completed another grouped escort for both the World Food Program (WFP) and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

During three days the MV PETRA I (AMISOM) and the MV MASAR TRADE (WFP) were successfully protected by the warship from Mombasa in Kenya, to Mogadishu in Somalia. The two vessels arrived safely at their destination with humanitarian aid and other logistic supplies. More than 6,700 metric tons food (maize and pulses) were notably delivered onto the Somali shore.

“What we are doing here is very important. Personally I’m very satisfied with our mission and what we do for the people of Somalia”, says LT Victor Lundqvist, a combat information officer onboard HSwMS CARLSKRONA.

EU NAVFOR Somalia – Operation ATALANTA’s main tasks are to escort merchant vessels carrying humanitarian aid of the World Food Program (WFP) and vessels of  African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). EU NAVFOR also protects vulnerable vessels in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, deters and disrupts piracy. EU NAVFOR finally monitors fishing activity off the coast of Somalia.

More stories about EU NAVFOR escorts:

-          WFP escort by EU NAVFOR Dutch ship HNLMS AMSTERDAM

-          EU NAVFOR visits WFP headquarters in Rome, Italy

-          AMISOM escort by EU NAFOR Italian ship ITS LIBECCIO

-          WFP and AMISOM escort by EU NAVFOR French ship DE GRASSE

-          WFP and AMISOM escorts by EU NAVFOR FS DE GRASSE and FGS SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN

EU NAVFOR Dutch ship HNLMS AMSTERDAM escorts the WFP chartered MV CAPTAIN SAID

Yesterday, 17 October 2010, the EU NAVFOR Dutch warship HNLMS AMSTERDAM successfully achieved the escort of the MV CAPTAIN SAÏD, chartered by the United Nations World Food Program (WFP).

The vessel, sailing under the flag of the Comoro Islands, was transporting a substantial amount of food aid for Somalia. HNLMS AMSTERDAM waited for the ship outside the port of Berbera and safely escorted it to the port of Boosaaso.

A total of 6,997 metric tons of maize, corn-soya blend, palm oil and flour were delivered onto the Somali shore.

It is EU NAVFOR’s priority mission to escort WFP merchant vessels carrying humanitarian aid, along with vessels of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

A considerable part of the Somali population is living in poverty and millions of people are dependent on the help offered by the international community. It is therefore of particular importance that these food transports arrive at their destination safely, without being targeted by pirates.

Since the beginning of the operation in 2008, 95 WFP chartered vessels have already been safely escorted by EU NAVFOR warships. These escorts helped in the delivery of 460,000 metric tons of food to Somali, feeding on average 1,350,000 Somalis each day.

EU NAVFOR Somalia – Operation ATALANTA’s main tasks are to escort merchant vessels carrying humanitarian aid of the World Food Program (WFP) and vessels of  African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). EU NAVFOR also protects vulnerable vessels in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, deters and disrupts piracy. EU NAVFOR finally monitors fishing activity off the coast of Somalia.

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EU NAVFOR Italian ship ITS LIBECCIO completed the escort of MV Alfa Kirawira, transporting freight for AMISOM (African Union Mission in Somalia)

On 28 September, EU NAVFOR Italian ship ITS LIBECCIO completed the escort of MV Alfa Kirawira, transporting freight for AMISOM (African Union Mission in Somalia) from Mogadishu to Mombasa, having left Mogadishu for Mombasa on the morning of 24 September.

World Food Programme in Mombasa (Kenya)

Thanks to the protection of EU NAVFOR Flagship FS DE GRASSE, both MV MILTZOW, chartered by the World Food Program (WFP), and MV ALFA KIRAWIRA, chartered by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) transited safely from Mombasa to Mogadishu this week.

The WFP shipment on MV MILTZOW delivered 651 tons of Humanitarian Aid to Mogadishu. MV ALFA KIRAWIRA carried important logistics supplies to AMISOM.

Since the beginning of the operation in 2008, 84 WFP chartered ships have been safely escorted by EU NAVFOR warships. These escorts helped in the delivery of more than 410,000 metric tons of food to Somali, feeding on average more than 1,350,000 Somalis each day.

“Ongoing drought and civil unrest in central Somalia has left 70% of the population in the region in need of humanitarian assistance, explains WFP on its website. [...] One in six Somali children is acutely malnourished – a total of some 240,000 children – the highest acute malnutrition rates anywhere in the world. In south and central Somalia these rates are even higher, reaching one in every five children. [...] Naval escorts continue to be necessary for ships carrying WFP food into Somalia, in order to protect against the threat of piracy.”

EU NAVFOR has also escorted nearly 60 AMISOM logistic vessels running into Mogadishu, to support the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia. The European Union Member States support the AMISOM in order to improve, in particular, the efficiency of the Somali Police Force and to combat any abuse and serious violations of Human Rights.

EU NAVFOR Somalia – Operation ATALANTA’s main tasks are to escort merchant vessels carrying humanitarian aid of the World Food Program (WFP) and vessels of  African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). EU NAVFOR also protects vulnerable vessels in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, deters and disrupts piracy. EU NAVFOR finally monitors fishing activity off the coast of Somalia.

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EU NAVFOR FS DE GRASSE escorting AMISOM vessel

After ten days chasing and disrupting suspect skiffs in the Gulf of Aden, the French EUNAVFOR Flag ship DE GRASSE headed south to the Somali Basin, to conduct the EU NAVFOR primary task: protection of merchant vessels (MV) chartered by World Food Program (WFP) and African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

Under the coordination of the Force Headquarters Afloat, warships FS DE GRASSE and FGS SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN, took over the escort duties of three merchant vessels transiting the area.

FGS SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN left Mombasa, escorting both MV Victoria (WFP) and MV Alfa Kirawira (AMISOM). She dropped off MV Kirawira in Mogadishu, before continuing the protection of MV Victoria, North to the Somali coastal port of Bossasso. FS DE GRASSE escorted MV Alfa Kirawira on the return transit from Mogadishu to Mombasa, before heading North again to Mogadishu, protecting MV Petra I (AMISOM).

Since the beginning of the operation in 2008, more than 80 WFP chartered ships have been safely escorted by EU NAVFOR warships. These escorts helped in the delivery of more than 410,000 metric tons of food to Somali, feeding on average more than 1,350,000 Somalis each day. “Naval escorts continue to be necessary for ships carrying WFP food into Somalia, in order to protect against the threat of piracy.” (Source: www.wfp.org)

This week, MV Victoria, who was escorted by EU NAVFOR warships, delivered 4,300 tons of maize to Somali.

EU NAVFOR has also escorted nearly 60 AMISOM logistic vessels running into Mogadishu, to support the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia.

Spanish OPV Vencedora during escort mission

After two months of excellent performance in EU NAVFOR the Spanish Ocean Patrol Vessel (OPV) ESPS Vencedora returns to home base.

She contributed with high standards in all tasks but mostly in the primary task; escorting WFP and AMISOM transports 84 percent of her time! Vencedora also executed reconnaissance patrolling along the Somalia coast and provided protection to shipping through the IRTC in the Gulf of Aden.

The Force Commander Rear Admiral (LH) Jan Thörnqvist greeted the Commanding officer of ESPS Vencedora, Commander Ricardo Fernandez Lopez, in a special farewell-signal and stated:
“ESPS Vencedora has done a great job in Operation Atalanta and you and your crew have always shown admirable spirit, reliability and professionalism in accomplishing your tasks and challenges.”
Admiral Thörnqvist also praised ESPS Vencedoras crew for high performance and outstanding stamina. Their dedication and specialization in escorts allowed other EUNAVFOR units to increase the pressure outside the pirate camps during this inter-monsoon period.

ESPS Vencedora captured two suspected pirates (SP) who were found in a whaler with engine problems. One of the SPs required to be treated of a serious infectious injury. They were later transferred to another ship and then released. She also carried out a few friendly approaches to Indian and Yemeni dhows in the Area of Operation.

ESPS Vencedora hasn’t operated beyond the Suez Canal since the first Gulf War in 1991. She is also believed to have been the first Spanish warship to visit Tanzania since it’s independence in 1961. During the two months spent in the Area of Operation the Spanish Ocean Patrol Vessel was at most 5 800 nautical miles from her home base in Canary Islands.

“Satisfaction is the common feeling within crew members as we provided food and stability to the region which someday will allow Somalia to reach prosperity and long-lasting peace”, the XO Lieutenant Commander Guevara Romero concludes.

EU NAVFOR Somalia – Operation ATALANTA’s main tasks are to escort merchant vessels carrying humanitarian aid of the World Food Programme (WFP) and vessels of  African Union Mission in Somalia, AMISOM and to protect vulnerable vessels in the Gulf  of Aden and Indian Ocean and to deter and disrupt piracy. EU NAVFOR also monitors fishing activity off the coast of Somalia.

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The merchant vessels Dream-H (left) and Rozen (near right), sailing for UN World Food Programme with humanitarian aid to internally displaced persons in Somalia, was escorted by EU NAVFOR flag ship HSwMS Carlskrona

The merchant vessels Rozen and Dream-H, sailing for UN World Food Programme with humanitarian aid to displaced persons in Somalia, are now safely delivered to Mogadishu after being escorted by EU NAVFOR Swedish flag ship HSwMS Carlskrona.

The flag ship of EU NAVFOR is not only carrying the Force Headquarters, she is also an Ocean Patrol Vessel with a helicopter and a boarding team in addition to own armament. During her first month in the Operation Atalanta she has solved all the different tasks that are normally performed by the units in the force; escorts, patrolling the internationally recommended transit corridor (IRTC) in the Gulf of Aden, carrying out surveillance outside the Somali coast and boarding suspected vessels. Last week, she escorted ships for World Food Programme (WFP) and AMISOM, the tasks that are the number one and two on the priority list for EU NAVFOR.

Her latest escort protecting MV Rozen and MV Dream-H loaded with WFP humanitarian aid was a golden opportunity for the Carlskrona boarding team to practice boarding and searching the vessels. This was performed in cooperation with the captains of the merchant vessels.

EU NAVFOR Somalia – Operation ATALANTA’s main tasks are to escort merchant vessels carrying humanitarian aid of the World Food Programme (WFP) and vessels of  African Unions Mission in Somalia, AMISOM and to protect vulnerable vessels in the Gulf  of Aden and Indian Ocean and to deter and disrupt piracy. EU NAVFOR also monitors fishing activity off the coast of Somalia.