Semi-Submersible Crane Vessel

An Oil & Gas company were faced with moving a Semi-Submersible Crane Vessel (SSCV) from Cape Town to Mumbai.  The vessel made a typical speed of 4kts. and the owner wanted to take the most direct route through the High Risk Area (HRA), presenting a favourable target for piracy. Solace Global Maritime provided an eight man team for this complex task.

The complications and legalities of protecting two vessels were discussed during a table top exercise until both the Master and the Company Security Officer felt comfortable with escalation procedures and the use of force in self-defence. The team then went on to adopt a high profile presence during the transit with the intention of deterring any potential pirate craft.

Although a number of suspect vessels were sighted and tracked the SSCV did not come under pirate attack and was able to take the most efficient route to her destination. The subsequent programme of work was undertaken without the delay that would have been incurred by the longer voyage avoiding the HRA.

A tight timeline and strict budget presented the project manager with the necessity to navigate the HRA.    

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