Protect your Ship from Pirates: Build an Onboard Sanger with Octagon Defence BDS 1 Ballistic Blocks

The war on Piracy
According to the International Maritime Bureau, the issue of piracy, against merchant vessels, poses a significant threat to world shipping – and it’s on the increase. The piracy crisis is costing world trade billions of dollars each year. In 2011, there were 439 pirate attacks and 45 merchant vessel hijackings worldwide.

BDS1 Ballistic Blocks

NATO states that increased use of armed security guards and defences can help to reduce the number of successful merchant attacks. In order to provide greater protection for seafarers the BDS1 ballistic blocks can be used to build onboard Sangers, which can be rapidly deployed and reused time and time again.

In the event of an attack, it is essential that security personnel have adequate defensive capabilities to stop pirates from boarding. Octagon’s ballistic blocks provide a unique interlocking system, which means they can be rapidly deployed, creating a bulletproof wall, providing shelter for those onboard. A ballistic block Sanger can be constructed to suit the needs of each vessel in such a manner that it gives security crew the vantage point. This way the situation can be assessed, how best to control it, and defend the ship from further attack. Tests have shown that the high density polymer mix, used to create the ballistic blocks, is proven to stop Chinese Armour Piecing and .50 calibre rounds at point-blank range. The ballistic blocks are designed such that they self-heal, upon penetration, leaving the entry point hardly visible and the live round safely encapsulated.

Taking into consideration the incompatibility of sand and water, it stands to reason that BDS 1 ballistic blocks are far more suitable than sandbags for maritime use. The ballistic block's are fully waterproof and can withstand exposure to extreme weather conditions, such as high winds, hard rain and sea salt, without decay. The primary benefits of this kind of defence structure are clear, however environmental and logistical accountability must not be overlooked. The BDS 1 blocks were engineered with an ethical policy in mind, not only are they manufactured from recycled waste but they can be stored and redeployed countless times. This makes them a suitable choice when it comes to the matter of throughout life capability management, a subject which is important when strategic planning. Adding further ecological responsibility, at the end of life, Octagon offer a recycle service where old blocks are taken back and turned into new ones.

For further information on sizing and pricing contact Octagon Defence: info@octagondfence.com
or call us on +44 (0)1302 391046