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Dutch Parliament Rejects Armed Marines on Vessels Sailing Through Somali Waters

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Dutch parliament has chosen not to deploy armed marines on Dutch vessels sailing through Somali waters, following a decision by Defense Minister Eimert van Middelkoop. This decision comes after a debate, where Van Middelkoop convinced parliament of his stance. However, the minister is willing to explore alternative measures to protect vulnerable ships, such as using a frigate from the EU anti-piracy mission to escort them individually in exceptional cases.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Dutch parliament has accepted Defense Minister Eimert van Middelkoop's decision not to deploy armed marines on Dutch vessels sailing through Somali waters.
  • Van Middelkoop is willing to use a EU anti-piracy mission frigate to escort vulnerable ships individually in exceptional cases, such as those with a speed of less than 10 knots and no other protection options.
  • The minister denied reports of 50 to 80 ships requiring additional protection annually, stating that this figure includes vessels with a low boarding point but capable of sailing fast enough in a convoy.
  • Van Middelkoop cited legal obstacles, high costs, and the potential for escalated violence as reasons for opposing the marine deployment approach used by France.
  • The pirates could arm themselves more heavily with the proposed deployment.
  • The Dutch government will take a fresh look at the model adopted by France, which involves using marines on vessels with a navy frigate in the vicinity.
  • Van Middelkoop emphasized the importance of exploring alternative protection measures to ensure the safety of vulnerable ships.

Statistics:

  • 6-8 vulnerable ships will be individually escorted by a EU anti-piracy mission frigate each year.
  • The ships to be escorted have a speed of less than 10 knots and lack other protection options.
  • The reports of 50 to 80 ships requiring additional protection annually include vessels with a low boarding point but capable of sailing fast enough in a convoy.

Sources:

  • XINHUA NEWS AGENCY (Copyright 2009)

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