Nimasa unveils special mission vessels to fight piracy
NIMASA Unveils Special Mission Vessels to Fight Piracy
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has unveiled two special mission vessels to enhance the country's efforts in combating piracy and other maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.
The vessels, named "NIMASA-101" and "NIMASA-102", are equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance and communication systems, as well as advanced navigation and maneuvering capabilities. They are designed to operate in the harsh maritime environment of the Gulf of Guinea, where piracy and armed robbery have been a major concern for the region's shipping industry.
The vessels are equipped with a range of features, including:
- Advanced surveillance systems, including radar, thermal imaging, and night vision cameras
- Communication systems, including satellite communication and VHF radio
- Navigation systems, including GPS and electronic chart display
- Maneuvering systems, including propulsion and steering systems
- Accommodation for a crew of 12-15 personnel
The vessels are also equipped with a range of weapons and ammunition, including machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades, and smoke bombs. They are designed to operate in a variety of weather conditions, including rough seas and high winds.
The unveiling of the special mission vessels is part of NIMASA's efforts to enhance the country's maritime security and combat piracy and other maritime crimes. The agency has been working closely with the Nigerian Navy and other stakeholders to develop a comprehensive strategy to address the issue of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
The Gulf of Guinea has been a major hotspot for piracy in recent years, with many ships and crew members being attacked and hijacked. The region's shipping industry has been severely impacted by the threat of piracy, with many ships and crew members being forced to take evasive action to avoid attacks.
The unveiling of the special mission vessels is a significant step forward in the fight against piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. The vessels will provide a powerful deterrent to pirates and other maritime criminals, and will help to enhance the safety and security of the region's shipping industry.
In a statement, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, said: "The unveiling of these special mission vessels is a major milestone in our efforts to combat piracy and other maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea. These vessels will provide a powerful deterrent to pirates and other maritime criminals, and will help to enhance the safety and security of the region's shipping industry."
The special mission vessels are expected to be deployed in the Gulf of Guinea in the coming weeks, where they will work closely with the Nigerian Navy and other stakeholders to combat piracy and other maritime crimes.