Piracy calls on Iridium now free of charge
An anti-piracy initiative As part of its anti-piracy initiative Iridium reports that it has made all calls from ships equipped with its communications terminals to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) centre free of charge, effective immediately.The UKMTO office in Dubai is the primary point of contact between merchant shipping and naval forces patrolling the high piracy risk zone off the Somali coast.UKMTO has direct communication to all naval assets in the area and plays a key role in coordinating the naval response when pirates board and attack ships.Under Iridium's calling plan, all calls to the UKMTO +971 number will be connected through the Iridium network free of charge."As a service to our important maritime customers, we strongly support the improvement of communications for ships who may encounter piracy," said Dan Mercer, vice president and general manager, Europe, Middle East, Africa & Russia, Iridium."Recognising that Iridium can provide a critical communications lifeline in a potentially life-threatening situation, it is our responsibility to support the crew by removing any barriers to free and open communication with authorities."Iridium notes that it has been working with its partners to outfit an increasing number of ships with 'citadels,' where crews can take refuge and ...
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