Backing for "Anti-Piracy" Laser

21 March 2011

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP David Stewart has backed an invention that could help stop piracy, the scourge of British and international shipping. 

The 'Anti-Piracy' laser, developed by Dunoon company Photonic Security Systems,  projects a non-lethal 10m wide beam 1km from your own ship onto the boats of pirates, thus making your vessel too painful to look at, or approach, until naval support can come to your assistance.

After hearing about the product, which is known as the LDS100 and whose costs start at £25,000 per unit, Mr Stewart has written to Business, Innovation and Skills Minister Vince Cable and Defence Minister Liam Fox to see if it might be possible to secure government support  for its sale to shipping companies. 

Mr Stewart said: "I was very impressed with concept of the product in what is clearly an important and topical issue. 

"The issue of maritime piracy is one of growing significance with substantial costs to British business, not to mention the human cost involved, so preventing it is important in what are already difficult and challenging economic times.

"I have written to Mr Cable to see if he can advise on the possibility of sourcing grants for products such as the LDS100. 

"I have also written to Mr Fox as the Ministry of Defence takes an important role in offering security protection and advice and the LDS100 has potential benefits to shipping companies and the navies that try to protect them.

"In addition I have written to the Chief Executive of Lloyds Register to support Mr Kerr's call for ships fitted with his device to be eligible for an insurance discount when risk assessments and insurance calculations are being made."

He added: "Photonic Security Systems is a small firm, based near Dunoon on the banks of the River Clyde which supports high-value jobs within my constituency.

"The LDS100 has the potential to be a world leader in its field, attracting orders not only from British companies but from Shipping Corporations across the world."