Italian Navy warship, ITS Espero, recently visited the port of Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania.  During the visit ITS Espero’s commanding officer, Commander Luigi Pirozzi, had the privilege of inviting on board the head of the EU delegation to Tanzania, H.E. Roeland van de Geer, as well as Ambassadors from Italy, Belgium, Finland, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and the British High Commission.

During the port call officers from ITS Espero also took the opportunity to meet the master of World Food Programme vessel, MV Akdeniz, to brief him on the recent piracy-related attacks in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean and to highlight the need for vigilance at sea and adherence to Best Management Practice (BMP) 4. The Italian Navy officers also provided details of organizations to contact in the event of a piracy-related incident or emergency at sea.

ITS Espero is currently deployed as part of the European Union’s efforts to deter and disrupt piracy off the coast of Somalia and to help protect World Food Programme vessels as they deliver vital aid by sea to the people of Somalia.

In addressing ITS Espero’s ship’s company, H.E. Roeland Van De Geer said “EU NAVFOR provides huge benefits in the suppression of piracy in the Somali Basin and I know that ITS Espero’s sailors will continue with the same dedication and commitment to contribute to the stability of the region – thank you.”