Free Republic

BLACKWATER - the US government’s preferred private military contractor in Iraq - is considering ambitious plans for a small fleet of two or three anti-piracy vessels, each able to carry several dozen armed security personnel ready to undertake any legal operation. The idea is still in its early stages, and will only proceed if there is sufficient demand from shipowners and their insurers for such protection, executive vice-president Bill Matthews told Lloyd’s List. As reported last week, Blackwater has already acquired and converted a former survey ship for such purposes. The vessel, McArthur, is likely to be deployed in the...