First-ever private navy can appear in the UK

04.10.2010 London insurance companies can establish the world's first private navy, says blog of Ilya Plekhanov on www.slon.ru.

The relative project prepared by several ship operators is under consideration of the UK government. Insurers propose to establish a rapid reaction force consisting of 20 patrol boats with armed guard security on board to escort vessels passing through the Suez Canal and the Indian Ocean.

According to representative of insurance company Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group, once the fleet is created, it will be controlled by the military, follow the arms use regulations, and act in accordance with rules of international law. The new navy will be called to eliminate the existent difference between private guards and international anti-piracy force, as well as to show Somalis that commercial shipping is not defenseless. Establishment of such fleet would cost GBP 10 mln. It will exist at the expense of insurance and shipping companies which will get reduced insurance rates in exchange for invested money.

According to opinion of UK Foreign Office's representative, insurers have not made an official proposal to create such force yet, although such concept must be approved by the UK after advice with anti-piracy partners.

Each year about 6.8 bln tons of cargo is shipped by sea. Over 22,000 vessels sail trough the Gulf of Aden per year. In 2010 pirates have conducted 123 attacks and captured up to 50 merchant ships, the posting says.