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The following was published in the January 07 2002 edition of Lloyds List Nato unit set to track merchant shipping Merchant vessels from Nato countries operating in the Eastern Mediterranean, where there is heightened naval surveillance activity, are being asked to report their details to a new shipping centre established at Northwood, Middlesex. While there is said to be no intelligence of any increased terrorist threat to the Suez Canal, the naval forces have been deployed because of its strategic significance and will track shipping bound for the waterway or which have used it northbound. Lloyd's of London has indicated that the presence of naval forces in the area will act as a deterrent and have a beneficial stabilising influence on insurance premiums in the region. Data reporting is on a voluntary basis only and applies to all merchant ships from Nato countries or Nato partner countries and the information is requested 24 hours before a vessel enters an area bounded by Longitude 28 deg.E and Port Said. The reporting period will be until the beginning of May and participating ships are asked to contact the shipping centre by e-mail ([EMAIL PROTECTED]), fax (44 1923 843575) or phone (44 1923 843574). Details will include data on the ship, her voyage, operator and cargo. The information will be used to develop a shipping plot for monitoring and surveillance by Nato naval forces in the region and reduce the need for VHF communications between merchant ships and naval units. The Shipping Centre will provide information to warships while acting as a point of contact for merchant vessels. (Comment:- Of course, al-Qua'eda shipping will not comply!!) ==^================================================================ This email was sent to: [email protected] EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?a84x2u.a9WB2D Or send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^================================================================
