Johan De Witt in the background, Mustafa H in the middle and two Landing craft vehicle personnel in front

This morning 29 of April, the Vessel Protection Detachment (VPD) from Malta was used for the first time in support of EU NAVFOR’s primary mandate.

They embarked on the World food programme (WFP) ship MUSTAFA-H and will provide protection during her transit from Boosaaso to Berbera in northern Somalia.

The 12-man VPD team is normally embarked onboard EU NAVFOR Dutch warship Johan de Witt during its four months anti piracy mission. This task shows the flexibility of the team and the invaluable contribution that Malta is providing to the EU NAVFOR anti piracy operation.

This is Malta`s first military deployment into the operational theatre under the EU Common Security Defence Policy (CSDP). The Maltese detachment has been sourced from C Special Duties Company of the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) and is a valuable force multiplier in the area of operations.

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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VPD on watch on MV Masar Trade

On the 28th of January, the World Food Programme (WFP) Motor Vessel M/V MASAR TRADE started her transit north from Mogadishu to Berbera, a port in northern Somalia, in order to deliver goods and humanitarian aid.

At the beginning of her transit, she was escorted by the EUNAVFOR Greek warship HS SALAMIS. On 6th of February, the EU NAVFOR German warship FGS EMDEN took over this responsibility, in proximity of Socotra Island, and escorted the M/V to the northern Somali port of Berbera. On completion of cargo unloading, the vessel was escorted back to southern Somalia by EMDEN.

During both escorts, EUNAVFOR Warship FGS EMDEN transferred a Vessel Protection Detachment (VPD) to the M/V MASAR TRADE. VPDs provide extra protection to these slow vulnerable ships whilst sailing the pirate infested waters off Somalia.

Under protection of the Naval Forces there were no incidents during both transits along the coast.The master of M/V MASAR TRADE was grateful for the assistance provided by EUNAVFOR and stated that “It is the first time that I have felt safe while sailing in Somali waters”.

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 AMISOM, and to protect vulnerable ships in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean and to deter and disrupt piracy. EUNAVFOR also monitors fishing activity off the coast of Somalia.

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Rear Admiral Bartolomé Bauzá (2nd right) with the Ukrainan Foreign Affairs Minister Poroshenko

On the afternoon 27 January MCC Northwood hosted a short visit by the Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Poroshenko, the Deputy MFA Mr Kostiantyn Yelisieiev, the Defence Attaché Col. Kyryliuk and Secretary Nikitov.

During their visit they were given briefings on counter piracy by Rear Admiral Bartolomé Bauzá, Deputy Commander EU Naval Force Somalia – Operation Atalanta and by NATO’s Deputy Chief of Staff Operations, Cdre Hans Helseth (NOR N). At the end of the visit, Minister Poroshenko thanked both organisations for their help and cooperation following the release of the Ukrainian vessel, MV Ariana.

Minister Poroshenko also announced that Ukraine will participate more actively in the international effort to fight piracy and stabilize Somalia. He reaffirmed Ukraine’s intention to offer a Special Forces team to be used as a Vessel Protection Detachment (VPD) on behalf of Operation Atalanta. He confirmed that detailed planning was going to be started in the coming days.

EUNAVFOR SOMALIA Operation ATALANTA main tasks are to escort merchant vessels carrying humanitarian aid of the ‘World Food Program’ (WFP), to protect vulnerable ships in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean and to deter and disrupt piracy.

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