Armour for ships and crews are inadequate to protect against Somali pirate attacks, according to Inchcape Shipping Services (ISS) which markets what it considers superior gear.

“Time and again we see bullet proof vests issued to crews without hard armour plates, and vessels using eight millimetre mild steel to protect the bridge, internal doors and citadels, which will do nothing against a round from an AK47,” said ISS sales chief Edward Unwin.

“Similarly, using double layers of standard mesh fencing to counter the threat of an RPG attack will actually increase the chance of a lethal detonation,” Mr Unwin claimed.

Among the Inchcape products on offer are light armour system against shaped ordnance (LASSO), Ramor 500, composite armour and anti-ballistic personal protective equipment.

LASSO is a high tensile steel mesh that short circuits an RPG projectile rendering its explosive shape charge inert. Deployed around the bridge, LASSO offers protection to the crew while still allowing full visibility. The system can then be easily stowed when transiting high-risk areas, said the press release.

Ramor 500 is light-weight armoured steel that offers protection to the bridge and vessel’s access points. The armour is able to withstand multiple hits from high velocity rifle rounds making it ideal for citadel [panic room] construction.

Composite armour is lightweight protection for the maritime industry, featuring fully Lloyds certified ballistic doors, weapon cabinets and removable ballistic panels, for enhanced protection to the bridge and internal access areas.

Anti-ballistic personal protective equipment consists of certified body armour, helmets, hard armour plates and soft armour panels, providing “significant increased survivability” if the crew comes under small arms fire. These lightweight vests and helmets also offer additional protection against fragmentation and blunt trauma, said the press release.

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