Chinese naval fleet sails into gulf of Aden

Source: China Daily | 01-06-2009 17:29

China's anti-piracy naval fleet sailed into waters off Somalia on Tuesday, starting a three-month mission to protect passing ships against pirates. The Ministry of Transport has also started accepting escort requests from Chinese vessels.

Chinese naval fleet conducts its first at-sea replenishment  during the voyage to the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia  for an escort mission against pirates on Tuesday,  December 29, 2008. [Photo: China News Service]

The Chinese convoy, alongside other international warships, will patrol the area near the Gulf of Aden, a busy shipping lane leading to and from the Suez Canal.

Chinese mainland registered or invested ships set to sail through the Gulf of Aden can now hand in applications for escort to the China Shipowners' Association, which will pass on the request to the Ministry of Transport. The ministry will provide information about the vessels seeking help to the Chinese fleet on a daily basis.