The Merchant Maritime Warfare Centre (MMWC), a UK based maritime anti-piracy organization, is launching their latest countermeasure, the MMWC Propeller Arresters. This is a non-lethal countermeasure to protect vessels underway regardless of vessel type, speed, cargo, flag state registration and weather conditions.
The Propeller Arresters have been developed as an integral component of a layered defense system advocated by MMWC but unlike traditional countermeasures used in this method, their onboard deployment creates an on- water impenetrable security perimeter around a vessel. When crossed the Propeller Arrestor causes failure of the attacking vessel’s propulsion, rendering it disabled and no longer a threat.
Rigged to heavy duty booms and deployed prior to entry of high risk area, the Propeller Arresters release lines of strong buoyant rope that float on the surface of the water. The forward movement of the deploying vessel maintains their extension without interference to the vessel’s own propeller and is unaffected by the vortex’s created. Their specialist design enables them to be deployed in approximately 30 seconds with minimal man power and remain effective when left unattended regardless of vessel speed, design, cargo and weather conditions. When the vessel arrives in safe waters, the Propeller Arresters can be wound back onto the drums and stored onboard ready for use again when required.
(www.mmwc.org)