Shipping firms call for Red Sea vessels to have armed guards

Dutch shipping firms have urged the defence ministry to permit armed guards on their vessels to counter the threat of attacks from Houthi fighters in the Red Sea.

The ship owners’ association KNVR says the Netherlands is out of step with other countries in not arranging armed guards or escorts by naval vessels.

The problem is compounded by restrictions in Dutch law that ban ship owners from hiring private security teams if there is no military support available, which they say puts them at a competitive disadvantage.

In a letter seen by FD.nl, the KNVR urged defence minister Kajsa Ollongren to restore the armed guards that were withdrawn on December 19, when the infrastructure ministry advised Dutch shipping to avoid the area altogether.

They also want the Netherlands and the EU to strengthen two missions in the Red Sea area, Operation Prosperity Guardian and Operation Poseidon Archer, aimed at weakening the Houthis’ capacity by shooting down drones and targeting radar equipment and rocket launchers.

Insurance difficulties

The 1,100 ships sailing under the Dutch flag and their cargo are becoming increasingly difficult to insure as Houthi attacks step up, KNVR director Annet Koster said.

“The Netherlands is the only country that enforces this link [between military and private security], “Koster said.

Giuseppe Trizzino, director of private security firm Praesidium International, which operates in several countries including the Netherlands, said: “We are still receiving orders at the moment from companies who are arranging for their ships to sail under the Italian or the Luxembourg flag.

The ministry would not comment on the contents of the letter, but Ollongren told parliament last week the government was investigating how it could contribute further to the security operation in the Gulf region.

One option being considered is to send the air defence frigate Zr.Ms. Tromp to the region for six months from March as part of the EU mission or under Operation Prosperity Guardian.