Move FM Australian News

MANAMA, Bahrain – A British Naval officer has taken charge of the maritime fleet protecting shipping in the Gulf.

A Royal Navy officer, Commodore James Parkin, has formerly taken command during a ceremony at the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC) headquarters in Bahrain.

The IMSC which consists of the UK, the United States, Australia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Albania was established in September last to ensure the free flow of maritime trade through critical waters in the Gulf. The initiative following the sabotaging of four tankers the coast of Oman, and the United Arab Emirates, and the seizure of the British-flagged oil tanker Stena Impero.

The security group conducts maritime surveillance, provides a deterrent to illegal activity, and reassurance for commercial shipping.

“The IMSC is committed to ensuring the safety of shipping in the Gulf region, which contains some of the most important choke points in the world,” Commodore Parkin said in a statement.

“We recognise the importance of freedom of navigation and will ensure it is upheld by our seven member nations,” he said.

“While the UK continues to call for de-escalation, the safety and security of our citizens and our interests in the region are of paramount concern to the UK and all other members of the IMSC,” the commodore added..

Parkin will remain in the post for around four months. He took over from Rear Admiral Alvin Holsey, U.S. Navy.