Marque Star Buys Armed Ship For Piracy

U.S. private security company Marque Star said its recently acquired 180-foot armed ship could be used for deployment for anti-piracy missions in Somali waters.
Marque Star said it conducted a global search for vessels that would meet its needs in terms of speed, armament and size.

The 750-ton armored vessel, Archangel Michael, can cruise at speeds of up to 17 knots with its 2,560 horsepower engine. It can carry its 24-member crew for 12,000 miles.

"Given the changing tactics of the Somali pirates and other maritime threats around the world the range and capacity of the Archangel Michael will allow Marque Star to keep clients safe," says Marque Star Director Greg Stenstrom.

Marque Star said it will combine its private sea lane protection and supply chain support services with San Antonio's Espada armed fleet of fast escort vessels in a joint venture to protect private vessels from piracy and other maritime threats.

Company officials say the joint venture is part of an effort to address escalating concerns from the shipping industry with a private sector security solution for global maritime security and logistics issues.

"We ask the global industry to stay tuned because the market is changing," said Stenstrom.