It carries thin lines which float at the waterline around the sides and at the stern
Dutch company Westmark informs us that its P-Trap anti-piracy product has been shortlisted in the safety category of the 2011 Lloyd’s List Awards.
Westmark says it created P-Trap as a passive non-lethal ship protection measure. Once deployed, it protects seagoing vessels from unwanted boarding attempts by pirates. The reusable system carries thin lines which float at the waterline around the sides and at the stern of a vessel. Pirate skiffs that enter the safety zone will run into the lines, which are designed to become entangled in their engines, disabling their vessel. P-Trap is designed to defend against multiple simultaneous attacks and does not require crew involvement once deployed.
Three prototype systems have been developed, designed to fit most seagoing ships, and trails have been carried out with the Dutch Coastguard, Navy & Rescue Service. A system was trialled by heavy-lift company Dockwise, which has decided to deploy the system on its entire fleet.
“The P-Trap concept is as simple as locking your doors and windows before going to bed at night. It’s practical and it makes sense,” said Lodewijk Westerbeek van Eerten, creator of the system. “The option to lock the perimeter of a ship offers seafarers an extra layer of protection and peace of mind so that they can focus on their core business-the transport of goods.”
According to the ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB), so far in 2011, 314 pirate attacks have been reported worldwide; 18 vessels are currently being held by Somali pirates; and 355 seafarers are being held hostage.
Other finalists for the award includeAPM Terminals, UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency, Mitsui OSK Lines, Pacific Basin Shipping and P&O Ferries.
Source: The Motorship