Pirates seized Berlian-hired vessel

PT Berlian Laju Tanker (BLTA) Tbk confirmed that one of vessels hired by the company, named MT Pramoni (19,900 DWT), has been seized by pirates in Aden Gulf. About 24 crews (Indonesians, Chinese, Vietnam, and Nigeria) are reportedly safe. International media reported that Somali pirates seized the vessel.

According to BLTA director, Kevin Wong, MT Pramoni lost contact with technical manager during a controlled transit in the Gulf of Aden on the passage to Kandia, India. The vessel was sailing along the security corridor in the Gulf and was assisted by international navy forces. Berlian didn't explain what kind of goods loaded on the vessel.

"The company's control center in Singapore has been manned since the start of the situation and continues to monitor the situation closely," Wong told both SGX and Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) authorities on Sunday, January 3rd.

AFP reported on January 1st that Somali pirates seized the chemical tanker. BLTA is the largest operator of chemical tankers in Indonesia.

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