Petroleum Africa
Find us on: 
Friday, July 24, 2015
MAST Security issued an update on the security situations in Libya and Kenya/Somalia. According to the security firm, two ships were attacked by aircraft in Libyan waters off Mareesa near Benghazi, resulting in one vessel being sunk. The officially recognized government in Tobruk conducted the attacks and stated both ships were carrying men and munitions to Benghazi to fight against them. Mast said it appeared that both vessels were small, similar in size to fishing boats.
Three tankers have been attacked previously while trying to enter ISIS held ports. The Tripoli- based branch of NOC has criticized the government in the east for the attacks.
Gerry Northwood OBE, COO of MAST, said: “Any commercial agreements with the NOC should be scrutinized to confirm which branch (Tripoli or Tobruk) of the NOC has approved it. Entering a port without permits from the branch with jurisdiction for that port could result in the vessel being attacked or arrested.”
From East Africa, the Kenyan government has released a number of convicted Somali pirates enabling them to return to their homes in Somalia.
Northwood said: “There is some concern that there appears to have been no rehabilitation program for the convicted pirates, and it is possible that they will seek work as armed guards protecting ocean going fishing vessels operating illegally off the coast of Somalia. The risk in this situation is that it is not a big step from providing security on an ocean going fishing vessel to taking that vessel over and using it as a mothership for piracy.”
The release of the Somali pirates comes on the run up to a visit to Kenya by US president Barak Obama.
" alt="First LNG Realized at the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim Project">
" alt="United Energy Acquires Western Desert Producer APEX">
" alt="Baker Hughes Announces Major Gas Technology Orders for Venture Global LNG">
" alt="ReconAfrica: Naingopo Results Demonstrate a Working Petroleum System">
" alt="Tullow Highlights 2025 Operational Plans in Ghana">
" alt="TotalEnergies to Supply 1.5 TWh to STMicroelectronics in France Over 15 years">
" alt="Rockhopper Reaches Final Settlement with United on Egypt’s Abu Sennan Concession">
" alt="Oil & Gas Crucial for African Growth: AEC Calls for Industry Support to Defend African Market">
