In a demonstration of superb tactical execution, France found what seems to be another rare case of success in the battle against piracy yesterday. While thwarting an attack in progress on a Liberian flagged cargo ship Safmarine Asia, the french frigate Nivose decided to follow the pirates that initiated the attack back to a “mother ship” where they were able to arrest 11 pirates, one of the largest interdictions in quite some time.

The Somali pirates are at it again, apparently taking advantage of good weather, and lackluster protection provided by international naval forces.  In the past 2 days, two European owned tankers have been seized by Somali pirates. AFP provides the following details – The Maritime Security Centre run by the EU naval force said that the [...]

For many in the U.S. and other modern and prosperous countries, the reaction to the news of modern pirates attacking merchant ships large and small in remote corners of the globe is part disbelief, and part an exotic story from a far away land.  For Merchant Mariners who carry the goods and commodities that make [...]

The actual enforcement of MARPOL Annex VI is now closer to reality with the recent passage of a bill in the U.S. Senate.  Annex VI concerns the prevention of air pollution from ships.  The U.S. has already ratified MARPOL Annex VI, but has yet to define how it would enforce it from the federal level.  [...]