Fullbridge, Essex 30th August 2011.

Former Omani Navy fast patrol vessel 'AL MAJIHAD' built in 1977 by Brooke Marine at Lowestoft.
Interestingly she is being modernised and re-armed at Fullbridge with the intention of being deployed off East Africa as a private business venture to deter Somali pirates. According to her new owner Royal Navy Lieutenant Chris Enmarsh "She will be manned by handpicked ex-Royal Marine Commandos and run as a professional naval ship, obeying the rules of engagement. Our primary task will be to protect oil platforms which are towed close to the coast of East Africa, and a number of oil companies want to hire Defender to look after their interests. We are not mercenaries; this is strictly a business venture similar to other British private protection firms which operate in Iraq and Afghanistan. She has already had a 40mm cannon on her fore deck and a 20mm cannon will be installed on her aft deck, with two machine guns on each side, giving 360 degree coverage. Her twin engines have also been replaced while berthed at Fullbridge, but the major work will be done when she returns to Falmouth in the next few weeks after initial trials in the Blackwater."