Command ship of Anti-Piracy Operation “ATALANTA” calling at Dar es Salaam port 15 to 19 May

The German Embassy is pleased to communicate the visit of Frigate “BAYERN”, the command ship of the international anti-piracy operation “ATALANTA”, which will be moored at the port of Dar es Salaam from Sunday 15th to Thursday, 19th May.

The navy frigate named after the German federal state of Bavaria boasts a length of almost 140 metres and carries more than 220 soldiers. Among them is the force commander of the operation “ATALANTA”, Rear Admiral Jan C. Kaack, who commands the anti-piracy operation off the Somali coast and in adjoining waterways of the Indian Ocean.

Operation “Atalanta” has almost eradicated piracy in the waterways it controls: While pirate attacks were carried out against 174 ships in 2011 with 736 seafarers held hostage, there was not a single attack recorded in 2015. The composition of the operation varies. Typically it comprises four to six warships, two to three military aircraft and a total of 1200 soldiers.

The operation is carried out on the basis of a UN-Security Council resolution and as part of the European Union's common defence and security policy. It is also supported with contributions from non-EU-countries such as Norway, Serbia, Montenegro, the Ukraine, New Zealand and most recently Columbia.

While in Dar es Salaam Rear Admiral Kaack will lay a wreath at the Askari-Monument to honour the African soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War. Members of the press are invited to attend the ceremony on Tuesday, 17th May, at 11 am. Preceding the ceremony Rear Admiral Kaack will be received by the Lord Mayor of Dar es Salaam at Karimjee Hall at 9 am.