This is a nice little interview with one of Maersk’s operations folks and it gives you a good idea as to their thought process and concerns. I really liked it when he mentioned that armed security has a 100 percent success ratio. Hard to argue with those kinds of statistics.
Reuters also posted some good graphics that showed a increase in ransom amounts over the years, but a decrease in the amount of hostages taken in the last year. So the more painful the ransom amounts, the more focus the shipping industry has had in not putting their crews into a position of being taken. Also, if the crews know that the company does not care about their well being, then that could lead to labor disputes. Meaning, striking crews can impact a shipping company’s pocket book.
So bottom line, armed guards on boats protect assets, diminish the possibility of paying more ransoms, protects goods so they make it to port on time and in one piece, and gives the crews the security they deserve during transits. –Matt
Hello, maybe it's because I'm on a flash disabled device, but I don't see a link tto the interview.
Thank you
Comment by CeeCee — Sunday, October 30, 2011 @ 5:33 AM
CeeCee,
You would probably need flash in order to watch it. Here is a link at Reuters if you want to try it there.
http://uk.reuters.com/video/2011/10/20/shipping-i…
Comment by Feral Jundi — Sunday, October 30, 2011 @ 8:05 AM