MISC bars ships from Gulf of Aden

A major shipping company has taken a very serious and unprecedented action by barring its own fleet from transiting one of the world’s most important shipping waterways.  More from Lloyds List.

LLoyds also reports that two of MISC ships, the Bunga Melati Dua and Bunga Melati 5 are being held near the remote Somali village of Eyl.  Lloyds List reports the following:

“The East African Seafarers’ Assistance Programme said that the pirates have demanded $4.7m to release the Benga Melati 5 and its sister ship, as well as $3.5m to free a Japanese-managed bulk carrier that was hijacked on July 20 in the same area. ”

“In total eight vessels and their crews are currently being held by Somali pirates. Apart from MISC, the shipowners are from Japan, Thailand, Nigeria, Iran and Germany. “

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