Bow Saga: NIS-flag chemtanker hoses pirates

The Norwegian Chemical tanker MV BOW SAGA was proceeding through the transit corridor in the middle of the Gulf of Aden when it came under attack. A pirate skiff with 7 people on board shot at the bridge, damaging the windows. BOW SAGA adopted Best Management Practice and was conducting counter measures with evasive manoeuvring and the deployment of water hoses to prevent attempts to climb up onto the ship. Piracy experts have predicted an increase in attacks in the Arabian Sea in August as the Indian Ocean southwest monsoon eases.

Type: Tanker for Chemicals & Oil Products
IMO num: 9215309
Built: 2007
Yard: Stocznia Szczecinska Nowa Sp.z.o.o
Flag: NIS Norway (Bergen)
Owner: Nordic Leasing Limited
Managing company: Odfjell SE
Nt: 11.269T
Grt: 29.965T
Dwt: 40.085T
LOA: 182,79m
B: 32,24m
D: 17,96m
Dft: 11,5m

The Norwegian International Ship Register -NIS- was established in 1987.

Since then it has provided the shipping industry with a continuing competitive and high quality option for registration under the flag of a nation with long standing maritime competence.

Norway has been one of the world's largest shipping nations since the late 19th century. This prominent position has been sustained over the years by the ability of Norwegian companies to adapt promptly to changing market requirements.
The NIS combines the advantage of being located in an industrialised nation with competitive conditions, rules, and regulations.

Ships registered in the NIS fly the Norwegian flag and are subject to Norwegian jurisdiction.
Norway’s ordinary shipping legislation applies to them with some exceptions and special rules specific to the NIS.
Norway’s comprehensive code of maritime law also gives creditors the assurance that it represents a secure and professional alternative.
Norwegian law is recognised in the maritime related field as sophisticated and predictable.

Great emphasis has been placed on maintaining a quality register which ensures that vessels operating under the NIS regulations meet highly acceptable safety and working standards.
To ensure this, the rules are based on the obligations accepted by Norway, particularly with regard to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions.