Since Easi-Chock was established in 2013, the company has hardened 150 vessels against similar attacks, with types of vessels including bulk carriers and tankers fitted with sophisticated versions of the devices Wayne fashioned out of necessity during his voyage. Wayne said:
“While Somali piracy is no longer prominent in the news, the threat remains as highlighted by recent attacks. However more imminently and presently, piracy and acts of violence and robbery are still rife within the Straits of Malacca, South China Sea, Sulu Sea and the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa being the worst hotspots, especially considering the provision of armed guards is not possible.
“Presently, international guidance advises that ships should be protected by water cannons and razor wire. However due to the limited effectiveness of these measures, armed guards costing anything between $10,000 and $15,000 per transit are recruited for voyages through the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean costing the shipping industry billions per year.
“The Easi-Chock solution is simpler, more effective and more comprehensive. Our system turns the whole of the superstructure into a safe haven by implementing many layers of defence with all the crew safely located in the engine room. The system is delivered to delay, deny and demoralise pirates, who realise that they are unable to gain control of the vessel and abandon their attempts knowing they are likely to be caught and brought to justice.
“Having started with ideas for products in my mind, I am delighted that they are now protecting 150 ships, numerous crew members and the vital goods they are transporting internationally.”
Easi-Chock state that there have been zero successful reported attacks on vessels fitted with their products and that it costs approximately £7,000 to fit the equipment on the average tanker. This draws a stark contrast with the price of an armed security team, and the £20,000 spent per year to replenish razor wire, which is easily bypassed by pirates.
The company supplies and fits a range of products that allow crews to protect themselves from attack:
Wayne concluded:
“Moving forwards I am keen to speak to anybody charged with the provision and specification of security products for tankers and cargo ships about how Easi-Chock provides a cost-effective long-term solution and saves operators staggering sums of money.”
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