The number of pirate attacks off the coast of Somalia has increased drastically over the last months. Compared to last year, there are twice as many pirate attacks around the world, according to the International Maritime Bureau. The first six months saw 240 vessels attacked worldwide. The Gulf of Aden covers most of the increase, with almost half of the attacks in 2009 taking place in this area.
Securing food supplies to Somalia
The EU launched its mission based on the severity of the situation in Somalia in December 2008, as a part of the Europan Security and Defense Policy. The operation is based on a UN mandate, and aspires to reducing pirate activities North and East of Somalia. An important part of the operation is to contribute to the security for the UN World Food Programme in Somalia. The EU operation has so far escorted 41 vessels carrying more than 266 000 tonnes of food to ensure the safe arrival of the aid. Vessels from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Greece, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden are part of the operation, and will in September be joined by a Belgian frigate.
The Norwegian government decided in February that Norway will take part in the operation with one frigate. Norway is the first non-EU member to contribute to Operation Atalanta. The navy vessel will be stationed in the Area of Operation for six months. The crew aboard the ship consists of 115 officers and enlisted men and around 35 specialists, comprising a unit from the Naval Special Forces. Among the specialists are also interpreters, medical service, military police and a lawyer. Up to 8 pirates can be detained on board the ship.
- Norwegian participation natural
KNM Fridtjof Nansen left the Norwegian Navy Headquarters Haakonsvern outside Bergen on August 1, heading for the Gulf of Aden. Minster of Defence Anne-Grete Strøm-Erichsen and Chief of Defence general Sverre Diesen were both present to see the ship off.
- The Gulf of Aden is an important transit area for the shipping industry, and will not be safe until the situation on land stabilises. However, the naval operation is vitally important to ensure that the pirates will not be allowed to operate freely, the Minster of Defence stated. She says it is natural that Norway, being a large maritime nation, contributes to secure international shipping lines. You can read more about her comments on the Norwegian contribution to the EU naval mission in this feature article.
Cooperation with the EU on security and defence
Even though Norway is not an EU member, Norway cooperates closely with the EU on security and defence policies. An agreement from 2004 ensures that Norway has the same rights and duties as EU members when it comes to the day-to-day adminstration of the operation. The agreement also entails that the Norwegian contribution is subject to Norwegian laws. Participation in the Committee of Contributors in Brussels and deployment of staff officers at different levels in the EU chain of command, imply that Norway participates in planning and execution of the operation.
The original mandate for Operation Atalanta was to due to expire December 13th this year, but the EU agreed in June to extend the mandate with one year. More than 1800 people and 20 vessels are expected to take part in the operation.
Read more about the EU Operation EU NAVFOR – Atalanta.