A spokesman for the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Ltd (IFFCO), the country’s largest fertiliser cooperative, told Newsline today that piracy have led to a more than ten per cent cut in fertiliser production at a time when it is needed most.

The seized Stella Maris and Stolt Strength were carrying phosphoric acid for IFFCO plants in Kandla in Gujarat and Paradeep in Orissa. Their fate remains unclear. A third ship, Stolt Valor, carrying the same cargo for IFFCO, was released last Saturday after a hefty ransom was forked out. It will reach Kandla on November 23, over two months behind schedule.

That is little consolation for IFFCO which produces nearly 19 lakh tonnes of fertiliser collectively from its five units, including two in Gujarat — at Kandla and Kalol.

With the other ships not coming in, IFFCO plants have already run up a deficit of ammonium phosphate production by 81,000 tonnes. “The hijackings have severely affected our production of DAP fertiliser,” said IFFCO Deputy General Manager M C Gupta. He said the timing could not have been worse, as this is the peak distribution season when farmers prepare for the rabi crops.

WAVES OF ATTACKS

Wireless transmits from Somali waters received in India show pirates have attacked around two ships every day over the last week. Some excerpts:

10.11.2008: 1400 UTC: Posn: 13:27.6N-048:26.8E: Gulf

of Aden

Pirates armed with RPG and guns boarded a chemical tanker. Holding 23 crew hostage. Sailing tanker to undisclosed location in Somalia. Details awaited.

10.11.2008: 1005 UTC: Posn: 01:12.5N-050:41.1: 250 nm east of Mogadishu

Two speedboats approached refrigerated cargo ship, one from stbd quarter, other from astern. Started to open fire. Ship made evasive manoeuvres. Speedboats could not get closer due to the waves. Later speedboats aborted attempt. Ship sustained damages...

11.11.2008: 0415 UTC: Posn: 12:45N-045:04E: Gulf of Aden

Two speedboats with 3-4 armed pirates in each, chased bulk carrier. Evasive manoeuvres made, warship contacted. Naval helicopter arrived and interrupted speedboats. Speedboats aborted attack. Later, warship sighted, established contact.

12.11.2008: 1405 UTC: Posn: 13:07N-046:48E, Gulf of Aden Armed pirates attacked and hijacked a chemical tanker.

13.11.2008: 0630 LT: Posn: 13:28.0N-049:21.5E, Gulf of Aden Six pirates in fast speedboat approached bulk carrier. Master raised alarm, crew activated fire hoses. Pirates fired with two rocket propelled grenades and automatic weapons. Master asked for assistance. Coalition warship responded and came to location in 15 minutes...

15.11.2008: 0723 UTC: Posn: 04:41S-048:43E, 450 nm south east Mogadishu Armed pirates attacked and hijacked tanker. Details awaited.