GAC Protective Solutions, powered by AKE, says it has entered into two new strategic partnerships with the innovators of anti-piracy technologies to help protect vessels, cargo and seafarers: Unifire's SeaSerpent Anti-Pirate Water Cannon System and Intelligent Engineering's (IE) SPS Citadel Access Protection.

Unifire's SeaSerpent Water Cannon System is a unique, non-lethal protective measure using high-volume, remote control water cannons to rapidly flood pirate skiffs. By delivering a jet of up to 80 litres of water per second from a range of 80 metres, the flooding of the pirate vessel both prevents boarding and inhibits the use of firearms, says the press release. The system can be controlled from the bridge or citadel.

With crew safety paramount for vessel owners and operators, Intelligent Engineering's SPS Citadel Access Protection uses Sandwich Plate System (SPS) to reinforce ship citadels to ensure that even the most determined hijacker cannot gain access. SPS is a composite material that delivers high strength, impact resistance and enhanced rigidity as a robust alternative to conventional stiffened steel structures. SPS Citadel Access Protection panels significantly enhance crew security, are simple to install on new builds or existing vessels and can be deployed within 90 seconds per doorway.

GAC Solutions vice president Christer Sjodoff said one benefit was that the system would save money on piracy insurance.

"We believe that non-lethal protective measures should remain the starting point for shipowners and operators as part of a proactive, integrated and intelligent approach to assessing, monitoring, training for and protecting against the threat of piracy," he said.