GAC Maritime Security adds to non-lethal defense options

JANUARY 9, 2013 — GAC Maritime Security has added the P-trap anti-boarding device to its range of non-lethal anti-piracy protection solutions.

Created by Netherlands-based specialists Westmark BV, this patented anti-boarding device creates a non-lethal secure barrier around a ship, adding an additional layer of protection from attack.

A set of long, thin lines are carried on side booms extending up to 10 m from the ship’s bow on both sides of the ship just below the water surface. Any vessel entering this security zone will run into these lines, which trap the propeller and disable the engines, disabling the approaching vessel. Designed to be deployed before entering high-risk, pirate-infested areas, the P-trap is designed to provide continuous protection against multiple attacks, day and night, without the need for crew involvement and constant vigilance.

GAC Maritime Security is a partnership between global shipping, logistics and marine services provider GAC Group and AKE Group.

Christer Sjödoff, Group Vice President, GAC Solutions, says: “GAC Maritime Security is committed to offering a range of non-lethal vessel protection measures that can be deployed by vessel owners and operators as part of a systematic, multi-layered approach to sea defense. P-trap is an award-winning vessel hardening solution that has been tested by the navy, coastguard and rescue services, as well as commercial shipping. Its simple but ingenious system of boom-mounted lines ensures that no hostile vessel can approach close enough to board.”

Maurits F. Westerbeek van Eerten, Director of Westmark BV, adds: “The patented P-trap anti-boarding device is a proven solution that has been deployed in the Gulf of Aden and other high-risk areas. Not only is the P-trap a truly effective vessel hardening measure, it also delivers greater peace of mind for crews transiting high-risk sea crime areas.”

Several P-trap systems have been created to fit most seagoing ships, including the P-trap swivel-boom, the most commonly applied system, and the P-trap sliding-boom, designed for vessels with a forward bulkhead.

This partnership with Westmark BV is the latest in a series of ventures for GAC Maritime Security which recently teamed up with Mobile Defense Systems LLC to provide PirateFence anti-grapple razor wire. GAC Maritime Security has also partnered with defense system provider Unifire to offer its SEASERPENT Anti-Pirate Water Cannon System, along with SPS Citadel Access Protection from Intelligent Engineering, as well as providing onboard crew training, pre-voyage preparation, global maritime security intelligence and round-the-clock monitoring and support.