West Africa Services

Since 2008, we have ensured the safety of thousands of transits and projects across the Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman and South Africa. We are proud to announce that now Palm Charters Group S.A. is providing its services in the high-risk area of West Africa.

The Threat

Over the last 15 years, the Gulf of Guinea has also become one of the world’s hotspots for maritime piracy. Armed attacks, vessel boarding and hijacking, kidnappings and assassination of crew members became increasingly frequent.

According to the IMB’s latest global piracy report, of the 58 incidents, 12 were reported in the Gulf of Guinea, ten of which defined as armed robberies and the remaining two as piracy. This illustrates that despite a decrease in reported incidents, the threat of Gulf of Guinea piracy and crew kidnappings remains.

Although less incidents were reported there since the start of the year, the threat of piracy still exists in the waters off the Gulf of Guinea, which include the Benin, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Lagos and Nigeria coasts. Although the opportunity for incidents has reduced, pirates continue to possess the capability and capacity to carry out incidents.

Unfortunately, Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea is not currently showing signs of fading. Criminal acts in West Africa remain as a hurtful and abusive threat to shipping and maritime commercial interest.

Our Operational Range

Escort range options from 50 up to 250NM, the service provided will cover all routes of approaching Nigeria, Togo, Ghana, Cameroon, and Ivory Coast.

Palm Charters Group S.A. has built strategic partnership with a Nigerian-based agent. Our approved Nigerian partner, with offices in Lagos and Port Harcourt, hold a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Nigerian Navy and is in possession of all necessary certifications that enables us to operate legally and transparently. This new alliance allows us to service all offshore terminals as well as all major ports in Nigeria, including but not limited to:

Our Services

As a consolidated company with more 12 years in shipping trade background, Palm Charters is able to develop customized security projects in the majority of ports or offshore location of your choice. Palm Charters Group in association with our approved partner in Nigeria can offer top quality services to assist the client in the most effective manner.

Palm Charters has gathered vast experience and knowledge over time with a broad-spectrum expertise that enables the company to provide integrated services to our clients including:

SECURITY ESCORT VESSELS (SEV)

We manage the entire process with our local partners, ensuring all personnel involved in the operation are qualified to our demanding standards. We can deploy our escort vessels within the entirety of the Nigerian EEZ, reaching over 250NM from the Nigeria coast.

When local regulations do not permit embarking armed guards on vessels, Palm Charters is able to deploy an armed escort vessel comprised of host nation forces for merchant shipping, container ships, and tanker vessels navigating one of the most challenging and high-risk areas in Africa. Each of our SEVs are deployed in compliance with state requirements, with a team of Local Naval Armed Guards and a Liaison Officer.

ADVISORY SERVICES: VOYAGE/ ROUTE PLANNING

Our experienced team will provide support in developing a voyage plan that is cost effective but most importantly secure. When unsure about the risk exposure of your itinerary or even if you need guidance, our team will provide useful, clear, and practical advice.

ARMED HOST NATION FORCES (HNSF)

An alternative strategy has been developed where local regulations do not permit to use our own guards. In West Africa, we can deploy host nation forces (HNSF) that allow us to conduct compliant and legal marine security services. Teams are typically comprised of 4 - 7 HNSF depending on the operation conditions and location. Professional, well- trained, and highly skilled armed guards will ensure the safety of your vessel. Our agent is a fully licensed Nigerian Navy MOU holding company, allowing them to work in tandem with the Nigerian Navy to deploy armed Navy teams on board client vessels ensuring protection for the entirety of a vessels stay in Nigeria.

SECURITY CONSULTANTS / BRIDGE ADVISORS

Experienced security officers serve as security consultants or bridge advisors on board which can be embarked and disembarked at most ports across West Africa and Europe.

What can they do for your safety?

• Coordinate all security activities onboard.
• Execution of Best Management Practices (BMP) to secure vessel from being attacked.
• Train and drill the crew in counterpiracy and general security procedures.
• Liaise with local armed security teams, providing professional supervision to ensure effectiveness in operations.

Our Fleet

Palm Charters can provide SEVs, with armed guards onboard, in each of the main piracy areas worldwide. Each of our SEVs are deployed in compliance with state requirements, with a team of Local Naval Armed Guards and a Liaison Officer.

Our vessels are equipped with the necessary surveillance, communication, and navigation technology ensuring a clear line of communication between our shore-based team, client vessel, and SEV. With a pool of over 15 escort vessels, which include ballistic and non-ballistic options, as well as FSIV’s capable of 20+ knots, we can deliver on all requests.

FLEX-FIGHTER
MULTI-ROLE SUPPORT VESSEL

Flex Fighter is fitted with all-round wheelhouse ballistic protection, machine gun mounts with gunner shields forward and aft, plush cabins and amenities for 12 security personnel, heavy-duty/self- cleaning fuel oil purifier, an external fire fighting monitor, as well as reclining seats for 54 pax (versus 42 pax in our 2020 model) and a 93-sqm cargo deck.

• TYPE: Multi-Role Support vessel
• LENGTH OVERALL: 40m
• BEAM: 7,6m
• PROPULSION: 3 x 1450 BHP

35M SENTINEL
CREW AND PATROL VESSEL

The 35m SENTINEL Crew & Patrol Vessel is a fast, highly customisable multi-purpose platform. With aluminium hull and composite wheelhouse, this vessel thrives in applications such as Security Patrol & Escort, Crew & Light Cargo Transfer, and Oil & Gas Support. Numerous Oil & Gas service contractors currently use this vessel in hostile territories along the West African coastline.

• TYPE: Crew and patrol vessel
• LENGTH OVERALL: 35m
• BEAM: 7,5m
• PROPULSION: 3 x 1093 Kw

FLEX 40MX
MULTI-ROLE SUPPORT VESSEL

A true multi-role vessel designed to execute a variety of missions, including offshore crew change, security and escort, search and rescue, firefighting and medivac.

Crew accommodation features in-cabin windows and wash basins, a stylish mess and galley, and cosy personal spaces.

• TYPE: Multi-Role Support vessel
• LENGTH OVERALL:  40m
• BEAM: 7,6m
• PROPULSION: 3 x 125 BHP

FCS 3307 PATROL RANGE
PERSONNEL AND CARGO TRANSPORTATION

The FCS 3307 Patrol is highly fuel efficient and fully equipped for its role. The Sea Axe hull shape guarantees the best seakeeping performance at high speeds. The combination of superior seakeeping and the position of the wheelhouse results in the highest possible level op operability. The long and slender Sea Axe hull offers exceptionally low resistance, delivering excellent fuel efficiency at all speeds.

• TYPE: Personnel and cargo
  transportation
• LENGTH OVERALL: 34,2m
• BEAM: 7,3m
• PROPULSION: 3 x 3,580 Kw