A.P. Moller-Maersk, one of the world's biggest shipping firms, said on Thursday it was re-routing some of its huge merchant fleet to avoid the Gulf of Aden because of piracy.

"Vessels without adequate speed or freeboard will for the time being avoid the Gulf of Aden and seek alternative routing south of the Cape of Good Hope and east of Madagascar,'' it said in a statement.

AP

The firm, the world's largest container ship operator, said the decision would mostly affect its 50-strong oil tanker fleet.

"Only three container vessels will be affected and we expect to further limit the impact by redeployment,'' it said.

Spokesman Peter Beck-Bang said its slower ships could consider passing through the Gulf of Aden if naval escorts were available, but that would only apply if schedules allowed.

Maersk said rampant piracy in the passage was a threat to vital international trade routes.

"It must be addressed by relevant authorities and the international community,'' said Soren Skou, partner and board member.

"It is not a problem that A.P. Moller Maersk or the shipping industry can solve alone,'' he said.

Gunmen from Somalia on Saturday captured a huge Saudi Arabian supertanker loaded with $100 million worth of oil, the biggest ship hijacking in history.

Scores of attacks in Somali waters this year have driven up insurance costs for shipping firms, and made some companies divert cargo around South Africa's Cape of Good Hope.

Norway's Frontline, one of the biggest oil tanker owners, said on Thursday it was "definitely considering'' avoiding the Gulf of Aden and the Suez Canal because of piracy.

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