Asia/Pacific News
Ships Warned on Bunker Pirates in Southeast Asia
In light of recent attacks on tankers in Southeast Asia, maritime operations firm Dryad Maritime is warning clients to protect data about vessel movement and cargoes to prevent criminals from using insider information in attacks.
Citing a recent incident in which the tanker MT Orapin 4 was hijacked and had its cargo stolen, Dryad Maritime Senior Analyst Stephen McKenzie said such incidents are often well organised and involve criminal gangs operating in the marine fuel black market across Asia.
"Although we don't yet know the full details of what happened on Orapin 4, it is likely that the vessel has been the victim of one of these gangs," he said.
"In previous incidents, crew members have reported bunker barges and other small tankers waiting to transfer fuel at predetermined rendezvous sites.
"The hijackers clearly have knowledge of the operation of radio and satellite communications, along with some proficiency in handling fuel lines [and] other ships' equipment."
Ian Millen, Dryad Maritime's chief operating officer, said the Orapin 4 may have been boarded in the Singapore Strait, despite the prevalence of police and coastguard vessels there.
"We believe that the criminal gang involved either had prior knowledge of the ship's intended movements or followed her out of the anchorage," Millen said.
"Whilst details at this stage are sketchy, there is good reason to believe that the incident may be linked to other similar crimes over this period."
The Orapin 4's attackers destroyed the ship's communications equipment and stole its cargo before releasing the vessel and its crew.
