Development of indicators to evaluate a vessel's vulnerability to pirate attacks and packages of appropriate technological protection systems

摘要

Piracy has become a big and increasing risk for global shipping. These risks of piracy can generally be managed by different approaches. One of them is the reduction of the vessel's vulnerability. The target of this paper is the development of a concept to evaluate a container vessel's vulnerability in regard to piracy by a number of indicators. A detailed analysis of the vessel's vulnerability is necessary to evaluate different characteristics of vulnerability. Knowing the vessel's weaknesses, appropriate countermeasures can be implemented. Potential technical protection systems are analysed in regard to different structural conditions. This allows taking optimal measures in respect to the identified weaknesses. In a subsequent step, the feasibility, costs and benefits of technological protection systems are analysed. Single technological systems can decrease the vessel's vulnerability. However single technologies will typically only improve one specification of vulnerability directly. On the one hand they can therefore be used to reduce the vulnerability in a highly systematic and well directed way. On the other hand combinations of different technologies have to be taken into account. A detailed investigation of the technologies reveals their compatibility or appropriateness to be used together. An ideal mix of technologies depends upon the vessel itself and other technologies applied. This analysis and the subsequent actions will enable to enhance the vessel's security significantly and therefore reduce the risk of successful pirate attacks. In cooperation with experts, packages of measures are developed and verified to ensure the practicability.