Infrared Thermal Imaging System Promises Protection from Bunker Pirates

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Tuesday June 2, 2015

Following a "significant and worrying" rise in bunker piracy in Asian waters, HGH Infrared Systems says its Spynel panoramic infrared thermal imaging system is "uniquely apt" for both port surveillance and self protection of ships against anti-piracy.

"While some strides have been made in legislation for the protection of ports and waterways, unfortunately, they remain largely exposed to these dangerous threats," says Katie Shea, Marketing Manager of HGH Infrared Systems.

"A solution that is rugged and able to stand up in the corrosive and unforgiving environment of the sea that can detect RHIBs, swimmers, and wooden boats would be the most viable tool for anti-piracy counter-measures."

The Spynel infrared system is outfitted with Spynel sensors, which are thermal cameras that provide a wide 360° field of view and are capable of a detection range up to 15 kilometres.

It is also gyro-stabilized for operation on rough seas.

The system also features Cyclope, a built-in software that automatically performs detection and tracking of an unlimited number of targets, and is able to differentiate between distant small boats, waves, and maritime wildlife with low false alarm rate.

She says that the recent piracy attack on Malaysian oil tanker Oriental Glory on May 15 in Southeast Asia where pirates siphoned 2,500 tonnes of bunker fuel is "leaving a very urgent need to enhance vigilant security measures."

The Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) counted a total of 38 incidents for Q1 of this year, compared to 29 incidents at the same period from 2013.

Last month Singapore-based Ocean Tankers said it plans to strengthen its anti-piracy measures after two of its vessels were attacked by bunker pirates in incidents that took place less than eight months apart.