OperationsPiracyTankers

Fears grow of another pirate attack on a product tanker anchored off Benin

Anglo-Eastern, managers of the 45,989 dwt oil products tanker Marine Express, report that contact has been lost with the vessel which was at the Cotonou Anchorage in Benin.

The vessel, which was in part laden condition with some 13,500 tons of gasoline, was last contacted at 03:30 UTC on February 1. All the appropriate authorities have been alerted and are responding.

The ship has 22 crew onboard and is owned by Japan’s Yamamaru Kisen.

Just over two weeks ago UK owner Union Maritime’s product tanker Barrett was hit by pirates while also at anchorage in Benin.

Sam Chambers

Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune.
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