Royal Navy Ship Deployed To Protect £6b UK Trade In West African Waters In Gulf Of Guinea

The Royal Navy Ship “HMS Trent ” has joined the fight against piracy in the West African waters to help protect over £6 billion of United Kingdom’s (UK) trade through the Gulf of Guinea (GOG).

According to the Royal Navy: “HMS Trent is in the Gulf of Guinea, one of the world’s piracy hotspots, as the UK looks to improve security and help prevent widespread piracy which has seen international shipping suffer, seafarers’ lives put in danger and damage caused to the economies of nearby nations.

HMS Trent carries a specialist team of Royal Marines from 42 Commandos, who are experts in boarding operations, known officially as Maritime Interdiction Operations.

The commandos have been sharing intelligence, knowledge and expertise in the skills needed to board, search and, if needs be, seize suspected vessels.”

HMS Trent’s Commanding Officer, Commander Tom Knott, said: “I am extremely proud that HMS Trent is spearheading the Royal Navy’s return to West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea. “My Sailors and Royal Marines are highly trained in the delivery of Maritime Interdiction Operations and are working alongside regional partners to re-establish our understanding of the complex and vast water space.
“Alongside the UK’s 2021 co-chairing of the G7++ Friends of Gulf of Guinea we are targeting a collaborative approach to improving maritime security and to reassure the merchant shipping community.

“This will be an enduring commitment to West Africa. So far we have already enjoyed hosting school children, conservation groups, government representatives and military leaders on board Trent to build stronger links with the community and explain exactly why the Royal Navy is deployed to this region.”