Good news for Privateering in the 21st C

[Boreades]

A ‘Private Navy’ Is Close To Kick-Off

a.k.a. the Convoy Escort Programme

An insurance broker’s plan to create a “private navy” to combat Somali piracy is close to being launched. Shipowners could be asked to back the project as early as late January or February with private military-escort vessels sailing alongside merchant ships by mid-2011. A reputable flag state prepared to register the 18 patrol boats has been lined up (who though?) , shipowner support is being canvassed and preparations made to secure funding for the vessels and crew.

Sean Woollerson of the Jardine Lloyd Thompson (JLT) insurance-broking group says there are still issues to overcome but the key task of securing government and military support to give the project “legitimacy” is almost there.​

See ARSSE for more

Has the YBW Pirate Squadron put in the winning bid?

 

[Searush]

But where's the opportunities? A regular pay day? Yeah, right, that really motivates privateers that does!

The potential "prizes" are worthless, unmaintained mother ships & useless dories with big engines & a handfull of small arms. Even the Somalis have no ransom value.

No, I don't see any suitable incentives there. Where are the pieces of eight, the dubloons, the slaves & prize ships that made fortunes for the lucky survivors?

 

[Silent Lady]

One of these is for SAIL

They could make an offer for this its not being used right now .

 

[Searush]

That with a half dozen Harriers would be ideal for the job. Add a pair of long distance radar surveillance Comet based aircraft & the Pirates would be history in 6 months. Pity we just threw them all away to pay the bankers' bills.

 

[Boreades]

They could make an offer for this its not being used right now .

Yes, I think that's exactly the kind of "Flat Deck" they have spec'd in the tender.

 

[Boreades]

That with a half dozen Harriers would be ideal for the job. Add a pair of long distance radar surveillance Comet based aircraft & the Pirates would be history in 6 months. Pity we just threw them all away to pay the bankers' bills.

Time to put in a bid?

For sale: Harrier fleet. One careful owner.