MISC converts containership into armed escort

MISC converts containership into armed escort    Malaysian ocean carrier MISC Berhad is reconfiguring a containership to serve as an armed escort vessel for other vessels in its fleet that need to transit the pirate-infested Gulf of Aden, according to a report Monday in the New Staits Times.
   MISC had two ships hijacked last year and curtailed sailings through the dangerous waters off the coast of Somalia.
   The converted ship is called an auxiliary vessel and MISC enlisted the help of the Royal Malaysian Navy and National Security Council in the project.
   According to the report international law considers an auxiliary ship one that is 'a ship other than a warship, which is owned or under the control of the military. It is operated by the government and thus, the ship is accorded sovereign immunity.'
   The ship will be manned by MISC personnel trained by the navy.