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Gulf of Aden - Yesterday, Commodore Henning Amundsen, who currently commands NATO’s counter-piracy effort, Operation Ocean Shield, welcomed Captain first rank Ivan Kovalyov, Commander of the Russian Federation Baltic Fleet Task Group, on board the NATO flagship HNoMS Fridtjof Nansen.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the two Commanders to discuss Naval Operations and in particular common procedures and areas of cooperation related to countering the threat of piracy. Among the topics discussed were helicopter operations, communication procedures, and medical support.


Commodore Henning Amundsen and Captain first rank Ivan Kovalyov watch a demonstration by the flagship’s boarding team.

HNoMS Fridtjof Nansen and the Russian frigate Neustrashimy are at the moment both patrolling the Internationally Recommended Transfer Corridor (IRTC) in the Gulf of Aden. Commercial ships use this corridor to take advantage of the naval protection offered by NATO, the EU and several international navies, including the Russian Navy.

According a recent report released by the World Bank on 11 April, the number of piracy incidents has been falling since 2012, thanks in part to mobilization of international naval forces and the adoption by the shipping industry of best practices to fend off pirate attacks. However, despite the decline in pirate attacks the World Bank also estimates that piracy costs the global economy roughly US$18 billion a year in increased trade costs.

On board HNoMS Fridtjof Nansen Captain first rank Kovalyov was given a tour and a briefing focusing on the flagships ability to counter piracy. The tour included a demonstration by the flagship’s boarding team and a visit to the sickbay.

During the Russian delegation’s visit to the flagship, a number of officers from HNoMS Fridtjof Nansen visited the Russian frigate Neustrashimy to exchange experiences and discuss the current situation in the Gulf of Aden and the Somali Basin.

After the meeting, Commodore Amundsen said: “The Russian task group plays an essential part in securing this vital shipping corridor and provides a significant contribution to the international counter piracy effort. Having taken over as NATO’s Commander of Ocean Shield last week, it is important for me to continue the good relationship already established between NATO and Russia, and look for new ways to optimize the coordination and cooperation of military assets in the area.”

 
Contact Information

HQ MARCOM Public Affairs Office
Tel: +44 (0) 1923 956 747 – Mobile +44 (0) 7917 370 830
Email: publicaffairs@mc.nato.int – http://www.mc.nato.int/

Background Information:

NATO has contributed to the international counter piracy effort off the Horn of Africa since December 2008. The mission has expanded from escorting UN and World Food Programme Shipping under Operation Allied Provider and protecting merchant traffic in the Gulf of Aden under Operation Allied Protector. In addition to these activities and as part of the latest mission, Operation Ocean Shield, NATO is working with other international bodies to help develop capacity of countries in the region to tackle piracy on their own.

NATO’s counter-piracy mandate for Operation OCEAN SHIELD is in effect until the end of 2014.

NATO Forces currently in Operation Ocean Shield:

  • HNoMS Fridtjof Nansen – Flag Ship (NORWAY)
  • USS NICHOLAS (U.S.A.)
  • HNLMS VAN SPEIJK (Netherlands)