One of the core tasks of EU Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) Somalia Operation Atalanta is the protection of World Food Programme (WFP) vessels delivering aid to Somalia. This particular escort of a WFP chartered vessel was conducted by two EU NAVFOR Warships the FGS Berlin and the HNLMS Van Speijk over a period of eight days.
EU NAVFOR Warship HNLMS Van Speijk escorted the WFP chartered vessel from 21-25 September before handing over to FGS Berlin allowing the Dutch Frigate to proceed north whilst the German Auxiliary Fleet Support vessel continued the escort from 26-29 September.
“The broad range of capabilities of our ship makes it possible to ensure a comprehensive protection. I am glad that the protection was successful and the much needed food could be transported to the Somali people.” said Commander Marcel Rosenbohm (German Navy), Commanding Officer of the FGS Berlin, on 29th September when the WFP vessel moored in Mombasa.
Altogether the EU Naval Force has protected World Food Programme ships carrying over 910,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid since 2008.