The freighter Hanjin Tianjin was carrying nuclear power plant equipment, meaning its narrow escape from a kidnapping attempt on Thursday prevented strategic materials from falling into the hands of Somali pirates.
The freighter Hanjin Tianjin was carrying nuclear power plant equipment, meaning its narrow escape from a kidnapping attempt on Thursday prevented strategic materials from falling into the hands of Somali pirates.
Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power said Sunday the Hanjin Tianjin was carrying equipment used to build low-pressure turbines that were ordered from Alstom of France. The equipment was components to be used in the Uljin reactors 1 and 2 that are currently in operation." The ship was also carrying stud tensioning equipment, which is used to tighten the lids of nuclear reactors, according to KHNP.
The incident sparked calls for increased security by the Korean government and shipping companies to protect the cargo of commercial vessels. There were no security staff on board the Hanjin Tianjin since the freighter was considered tall and fast enough to prevent pirate attacks.
