Adnatco undertakes measures to thwart pirate attack
Oil tankers have increasingly come under the threat in international waters
Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi National Tanker Co. (Adnatco), whose vessels transport Abu Dhabi’s crude oil to the world has taken adequate measures to thwart pirates on high seas, a top company official said on Thursday.
“As the maritime industry faces the increased threat of piracy, we have reinforced our ships with innovative defensive measures to ensure that our seafarers and ships are both protected and can respond proactively to attempted piracy events,” Dr. Ali Obaid Al Yabhouni, chief executive officer of Adnatco said at a ceremony in the capital to mark the World Maritime Day.
Al Yabhouni, who is also the UAE’s Opec (Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries) governor, said Adnatco has invested heavily in upgrading vital safety equipment, such as communication, as well as improving cultural awareness, and interpersonal skills in its multinational force of seafarers.
Crude oil tankers operating in international waters in recent years have increasingly come under the threat of sea pirates hailing mainly from Somalia and Nigeria. The pirates, often armed with sophisticated weapons, abduct seafarers for ransom and rob their cargo.
Abu Dhabi produces more than 90 per cent of the UAE’s crude oil output of about 2.6 milllion barrels per day, the bulk of which is exported.
Al Yabhouni previously said the UAE’s oil production capacity is expected to rise to around 3 million barrels per day by the end of 2012.
