European publications reported that an armed post was allegedly discovered above the navigation bridge on the Russian LNG tanker "Marshal Vasilevsky" during its passage through the North Sea. According to their assessment, a Kord 12.7 mm heavy machine gun could have been installed on the structure.
According to the authors of the publication, this refers to a specially equipped position for small arms, located in the upper part of the vessel. However, official confirmation of this information was not received at the time of publication.
According to European experts, such a solution may be a temporary measure to enhance the security of civilian vessels. They believe that such protection can increase the safety level of tankers during voyages, but it does not replace full escort.
Earlier, proposals were repeatedly made in Russia to organize armed guards for merchant ships, as well as to provide them with escort by ships of the Northern Fleet. Analysts believe that the installation of small arms can be considered an interim option until more large-scale decisions on shipping protection are made.
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