Lib Dem Big Hitters Visit Cardiff Company

During a visit of the headquarters of survival equipment specialists, BCB International Ltd,  the President of the Liberal Democrats, Tim Farron MP, and the Shadow Minister for Enterprise, Transport, Europe and Business, Eluned Parrott AM were briefed about a device called the ‘Buccaneer’ which can ward off pirates through the power of compressed air.

BCB International is a family run company which has evolved from its early days as a cough medicine supplier to British troops fighting in the Crimean War.  Today it is a major exporter of cutting-edge technologies that would not be out of place in a James Bond movie.

Tim Farron MP said: “Piracy at sea is becoming an increasing problem and commercial vessels are particularly vulnerable.  The Buccaneer system is a safe and effective deterrent and I will be speaking to colleagues at Westminster to see what measures can be taken to ensure that proactive means to protect vessels are included in future Marine Guidance”.

Eluned Parrott AM said:  “It was a real pleasure to visit BCB today, and find out how an innovative and research-led company based right here in Wales could have a key role to play in making our seas safer”.

Following the visit the Managing Director of BCB International Ltd, Andrew Howell said: “We were absolutely delighted to welcome Tim Farron and Eluned Parrott to our headquarters and show them how we are continuously innovating to give us a competitive edge.

The Buccaneer

“Our ‘Buccaneer’ launchers are an example of how we have pioneered a solution to a serious problem.  Piracy at sea costs world trade an estimated 7 to 10 Billion US dollars annually.   It is almost impossible to calculate the human cost of those held for ransom against their will for extended periods of time by merciless pirates.  Our Buccaneer’ launchers utilise compressed air to launch 60 meter entanglement nets designed to foul on coming skiffs’ props and therefore disable the attacker before they have a chance to attempt a boarding.  The Buccaneer system can also deploy pay loads such as smoke cartridges out to 700 meters which means that it can create an effect on a target well before it comes into close proximity with the vessel.”